Patent application title: SOLAR ARRAY SUPPORT METHODS AND SYSTEMS

Abstract:

Systems and methods for disposing and supporting a solar panel array are
disclosed. The embodiments comprise various combinations of cables,
support columns, and pod constructions in which to support solar panels.
The solar panels can incorporate single or dual tracking capabilities to
enhance sunlight capture. The embodiments encourage dual land use in
which installation of the systems minimizes disruption of the underlying
ground. Supplemental power may be provided by vertical axis windmills
integrated with the columns. Special installations of the system can
include systems mounted over structures such as parking lots, roads and
aqueducts.

Claims:

1. A solar panel system comprising:a plurality of panel receivers each
having a plurality of solar panels mounted thereto, said panel receivers
being arranged in a combination defining a solar panel array;a support
system for supporting the panel receivers, the support system comprising
a plurality of trusses supported between a plurality of columns, wherein
each of the panel receivers are secured to the trusses at spaced
locations along adjacent trusses, each of said trusses comprising (i) an
upper main cable, (ii) a lower main cable and (iii) at least one
interconnecting member for interconnecting the upper and lower cables,
wherein at least one of said interconnecting members is a rigid
compression member.

2. A solar panel system comprising:a plurality of panel receivers each
having a plurality of solar panels mounted thereto, said panel receivers
being arranged in a combination defining a solar panel array;a support
system for supporting the panel receivers, the support system comprising
a plurality of trusses supported between a plurality of columns, wherein
each of the panel receivers are secured to the trusses at spaced
locations along adjacent trusses, each of said trusses comprising (i) an
upper main cable, (ii) a lower main cable and (iii) at least one
interconnecting member for interconnecting the upper and lower cables;
andat least one tensioning mechanism for selectively tensioning said at
least one interconnecting member, said tensioning mechanism having a base
secured to at least one of said upper and lower cables, a roller
rotatably mounted to said base, and a locking element for selectively
locking the at least one interconnecting member that contacts said roller
thereby locking said interconnecting member against said roller when said
interconnecting member is selectively tensioned.

3. A system as claimed in claim 2, wherein:said at least one
interconnecting member is continuous and extends continuously between
said upper and lower cables and through said at least one tensioning
mechanism.

4. A solar panel system comprising:a plurality of panel receivers each
having a plurality of solar panels mounted thereto, said panel receivers
being arranged in a combination defining a solar panel array;a support
system for supporting the panel receivers, the support system comprising
a plurality of trusses supported between a plurality of columns, wherein
each of the panel receivers are secured to the trusses at spaced
locations along adjacent trusses, each of said trusses comprising (i) an
upper main cable, (ii) a lower main cable and (iii) at least one
interconnecting member for interconnecting the upper and lower cables;
andat least one vertical axis windmill incorporated on one of said
columns, said vertical axis windmill comprising an upper end of said one
of said columns, and a plurality of vanes disposed around said upper end
of said column, said plurality of vanes being rotatable about said upper
end of said column by wind that strikes said vanes, wherein said vertical
axis windmill provides supplemental power to said solar panel system.

5. A system, as claimed in claim 4, wherein:said at least one vertical
axis windmill comprises a plurality of vertical axis windmills
incorporated at respective upper ends of said columns.

6. A solar panel system comprising:a plurality of panel receivers each
having a plurality of solar panels mounted thereto, said panel receivers
being arranged in a combination defining a solar panel array;a support
system for supporting the panel receivers, the support system comprising
a plurality of trusses supported between a plurality of columns, wherein
each of the panel receivers are secured to the trusses at spaced
locations along adjacent trusses, each of said trusses comprising (i) an
upper main cable, (ii) a lower main cable and (iii) at least one
interconnecting member for interconnecting the upper and lower cables;
and wherein said panel receivers are mounted over said upper cables in a
convex mounting configuration.

7. A solar panel system comprising:a plurality of panel receivers each
having a plurality of solar panels mounted thereto, said panel receivers
being arranged in a combination defining a solar panel array;a support
system for supporting the panel receivers, the support system comprising
a plurality of trusses supported between a plurality of columns, wherein
each of the panel receivers are secured to the trusses at spaced
locations along adjacent trusses, each of said trusses comprising (i) an
upper main cable, (ii) a lower main cable and (iii) at least one
interconnecting member for interconnecting the upper and lower cables;
and wherein said panel receivers are mounted over said upper cables in a
concave mounting configuration.

8. A system, as claimed in claim 1, further including:a roof disposed
under said solar panel array and supported by said solar panel system.

9. A system, as claimed in claim 8, wherein:said roof includes a plurality
of openings forming skylights.

10. A solar panel system comprising:a plurality of panel receivers each
having a plurality of solar panels mounted thereto, said panel receivers
being arranged in a combination defining a solar panel array;a support
system for supporting the panel receivers, the support system comprising
a plurality of trusses spaced from one another wherein each of the panel
receivers are secured to the trusses at spaced locations along adjacent
trusses, each of said trusses comprising (i) and upper main cable, (ii) a
lower main cable and (iii) a plurality of interconnecting members for
interconnecting the upper and lower cables; anda protective covering
secured to said plurality of lower cables and extending under said array
and over a substantial portion of a length and width of said array, said
protective covering being selected from a group consisting of an
impermeable membrane and a permeable membrane with a selected porosity
enabling a selected amount of sunlight to pass through said protective
covering.

11. A solar panel system comprising:a plurality of panel receivers each
having a plurality of solar panels mounted thereto, said plurality of
panel receivers being arranged in a combination defining a solar panel
array;a plurality of columns positioned at least at exterior edges of
said solar panel array;a plurality of cables extending between respective
columns, said panel receivers being supported by pairs of respective
upper cables extending non-parallel to one another;a plurality of
complimentary lower cables extending between said columns;a plurality of
angularly adjustable connections that interconnect at least one of said
panel receivers to said upper cables, wherein at least some of said solar
panels extend at different angles as compared to other solar panels of
said plurality of solar panels thereby forming at least one panel
receiver having a complex non-planar shape.

12. A system, as claimed in claim 11, wherein:said angularly adjustable
connection includes a ball and socket combination including a socket
member and a ball member.

13. A system, as claimed in claim 11, wherein:said angularly adjustable
connection includes at least one shim placed between one of said upper
cables and one of said panel receivers connected to said one of said
upper cables.

14. A solar panel system comprising:a plurality of panel receivers each
having a plurality of solar panels mounted thereto, said plurality of
panel receivers being arranged in a combination defining a solar panel
array, at least one of said panel receivers including a strut support
assembly including a pair of lower struts extending transversely between
a pair of adjacent upper cables of the system, at least one riser
extending from each of said lower struts, at least one cross strut
interconnecting said lower struts, and at least one panel support strut
mounted over said cross strut, and further wherein said panel support
strut is oriented at a desired angle for mounting of said solar panels
thereover.

15. A solar panel system comprising:a plurality of panel receivers each
having a plurality of solar panels mounted thereto, said plurality of
panel receivers being arranged in a combination defining a solar panel
array, said panel receivers being selectively spaced from one another in
respective columns and rows;a plurality of columns positioned at least at
exterior edges of said solar panel array;a plurality of cables extending
between respective columns for supporting said solar panel
system;vertical supports secured to said cables for mounting said panel
receivers;a plurality of tracking mechanisms incorporated on each of said
vertical supports for selectively rotating said panel receivers in at
least one axis of rotation, said at least one axis of rotation including
at least one of a vertical axis of rotation and a horizontal axis of
rotation.

16. A system, as claimed in claim 15, wherein:said plurality of tracking
mechanisms include a dual axis tracking mechanism having means for
rotating a corresponding panel receiver about a vertical axis defined
along a vertical member to which the panel receiver is mounted.

17. A system, as claimed in claim 15, wherein:said plurality of tracking
mechanisms includes a single axis tracking mechanism having means for
rotating a horizontal support to which a corresponding panel receiver is
mounted.

18. A method of assembling a solar panel support structure for supporting
a plurality of solar panels mounted to said support structure, said
method comprising the steps of:providing a plurality of cables including
at least one upper cable, at least one lower cable, and at least one
interconnecting member interconnecting said upper and lower cables, said
interconnecting member being selected from the group consisting of a
tension member and a compression member;providing a plurality of
temporary supports extending between selected combinations of said
plurality of upper and lower cables, and said interconnecting member,
said plurality of temporary supports being rigid members for maintaining
said plurality of cables in a desired shape;preassembling said plurality
of cables and said at least one interconnecting member into
trusses;arranging said trusses in spaced relationships with one another
and securing said trusses to columns;attaching weights to said trusses in
order to stabilize said trusses;securing a plurality of panel receivers
to said trusses, each of said panel receivers having a plurality of solar
panels mounted thereto; andremoving said weights.

19. A temporary support truss especially adapted for temporarily
supporting a permanent support truss in a solar panel system including a
plurality of solar panels mounted within said system, comprising:a
plurality of cables and interconnecting members forming a truss of a
desired shape; anda plurality of temporary struts extending between
selected combinations of said cables and said interconnecting members,
wherein said temporary struts maintain said cables and said
interconnecting members in a desired shape and configuration.

20. A solar panel system comprising:a plurality of panel receivers each
having a plurality of solar panels mounted thereto, said panel receivers
being arranged in a combination defining a solar panel array;a support
system for supporting the panel receivers, the support system comprising
a plurality of trusses supported between columns, wherein each of the
panel receivers are secured to the trusses at spaced locations along
adjacent trusses, each of said trusses comprising (i) an upper main
cable, (ii) a lower main cable and (iii) at least one interconnecting
member for interconnecting the upper and lower cables; andat least one
primary bracket having opposing receiver ends for receiving
interconnecting members that interconnect said upper and lower cables,
said primary bracket being installed such that said opposing receiver
ends extend beyond opposite sides of a cable to which the primary bracket
is mounted.

21. A solar panel system comprising:a plurality of panel receivers each
having a plurality of solar panels mounted thereto, said panel receivers
being arranged in a combination defining a solar panel array;a support
system for supporting the panel receivers, the support system comprising
a plurality of trusses supported between columns, each of the panel
receivers being secured to the trusses at spaced locations along adjacent
trusses, each of said trusses comprising (i) an upper main cable, (ii) a
lower main cable and (iii) at least one interconnecting member for
interconnecting the upper and lower cables, said plurality of panel
receivers being oriented in a plurality of spaced rows, and each of said
panel receivers being mounted on a corresponding horizontal rotational
member in each of said rows; anda tracking mechanism incorporated on each
of said horizontal rotational members for selectively rotating said panel
receivers about a horizontal axis extending through each of said
horizontal rotational members.

22. A system, as claimed in claim 21, wherein:said panel receivers are
arranged in a convex mounting over said plurality of upper cables.

23. A system, as claimed in claim 21, wherein:said plurality of panel
receivers in each of said rows extends substantially planar with one
another, and each of said rows of said panel receivers being mounted
between pairs of vertical members secured to convex shaped upper cables.

24. A system, as claimed in claim 21, wherein:said plurality of panel
receivers are disposed at a height above said upper cables or at a
between said upper and lower cables.

25. A system, as claimed in claim 21, wherein:said plurality of panel
receivers are disposed at a height between said upper cables and said
lower cables.

26. A solar panel system comprising:a plurality of panel receivers each
having a plurality of solar panels mounted thereto, said plurality of
panel receivers being arranged in a combination defining a solar panel
array, said plurality of solar panels including a plurality of tubular
shaped PV elements extending substantially parallel to one another and
spaced from one another along corresponding panel receivers;a plurality
of columns positioned at least at exterior edges of said solar panel
array;a plurality of upper cables extending between respective columns,
said panel receivers being mounted to pairs of respective upper cables;a
plurality of complimentary lower cables extending between the columns;a
plurality of interconnecting members interconnecting respective upper and
lower cables.

27. A solar panel system comprising:a plurality of panel receivers each
having a plurality of solar panels mounted thereto, said panel receivers
being arranged in a combination defining a solar panel array;a support
system for supporting the panel receivers, the support system comprising
a plurality of trusses supported between columns, wherein each of the
panel receivers are secured to the trusses at spaced locations along
adjacent trusses, each of said trusses comprising (i) an upper main
cable, (ii) a lower main cable and (iii) at least one interconnecting
member for interconnecting the upper and lower cables;a tracking assembly
for rotating at least one of said panel receivers; anda biasing assembly
secured to at least one of said panel receivers for selectively biasing
rotation of said panel receiver, said biasing assembly including at least
one biasing cable extending between opposing ends of said one panel
receiver, and at least one biasing element incorporated on said biasing
cable.

Description:

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001]This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser.
No. 12/255,178, filed on Oct. 21, 2008 entitled "Solar Array Support
Methods and Systems, which is a continuation-in-part application of U.S.
application Ser. No. 12/143,624, filed on Jun. 20, 2008 entitled, "Solar
Array Support Methods and Systems", which is a continuation-in-part
application of U.S. application Ser. No. 12/122,228, filed on May 16,
2008, entitled "Solar Array Support Methods and Systems", which is a
continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/856,521, filed on
Sep. 17, 2007, entitled "Solar Array Support Methods and Systems", which
is a continuation application of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/606,204,
filed Jun. 25, 2003, now the U.S. Pat. No. 7,285,719, entitled "Solar
Array Support Methods and Systems", which claims priority from
Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/459,711, filed Apr. 2, 2003, entitled
"Solar Sculpture Energy and Utility Array", each prior application being
incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002]The present invention is related to the field of solar energy
capture, and more particularly, to devices, systems, and methods relating
to solar energy capture including photovoltaic (PV) solar panels
supported by a system of cables and columns.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003]Present systems for supporting solar panels tend to be bulky and
expensive. Given the size and weight of such systems, implementation of
solar panel arrays in remote locations is difficult and expensive. When
large equipment is required, installation of a solar panel array in an
environmentally sensitive area without significantly impacting the
surrounding habitat becomes very difficult. Typically, such support
systems do not allow for secondary uses of the solar panel arrays.

[0004]Photovoltaic technology continues to advance not only in the
efficiency of a PV cell's capability to convert solar energy to
electrical power, but also in the basic construction of PV panels used in
varying installations. One advance in PV panels includes tube or
cylindrical shaped PV elements. These types of PV elements have the
capability to capture sunlight across greater angles and also to provide
an increased surface area for capturing sunlight when the elements are
packed closely together.

[0005]Despite the advances in PV technology, there are still needs for
solar panel systems in which fewer and less expensive materials are used
for supporting the panels. There are also developing needs for solar
panel systems to provide electrical power in locations that traditionally
could not employ solar panel systems because of rough terrain or because
of an inadequate amount of land available for installation.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006]The present invention, in one preferred embodiment, includes a
system for supporting a solar panel array. The system includes at least
two pairs of vertical columns, where each pair includes a tall column and
a short column. The pairs of vertical columns are placed some distance
apart. A first support cable is secured between the short columns and a
second support cable is secured between the tall columns. A guy wire or
other anchoring devices may be attached to the columns to provide lateral
support to the columns against the tension created by suspending the
support cables between the spaced columns. The system further includes
solar panel receivers or pods secured to the two support cables. The
solar panel receivers or pods are used to support solar panels. The
receivers/pods may include a maintenance catwalk or another element that
provides access to individual receivers/pods for maintenance.

[0007]In another illustrative embodiment, the present invention includes a
system for providing both shelter and electricity. The system may include
columns, support cables, and one or more solar panel receivers that
support solar panels as in the solar panel array support system noted
above. The columns may be sized to allow an activity to occur beneath the
solar panel receivers. For example, if the desired activity is to provide
a shaded parking lot, the columns may have a height allowing vehicles to
be parked beneath the solar panel receivers, and the columns may be
spaced apart to create a sheltered area sized to correspond to the
desired area of the parking lot.

[0008]In yet another illustrative embodiment, the present invention
includes a system for supporting a solar panel array, the system
comprising at least four anchor points, with a first support cable
suspended between a first pair of anchor points, and a second support
cable suspended between a second pair of anchor points. The system
further includes the solar panel receivers supported by the first and
second support cables, the solar panel receivers also adapted to receive
one or more solar panels.

[0009]In a further embodiment, the present invention includes methods of
supporting a solar panel array. The methods include the step of using
cables to support solar panel receivers adapted to receive one or more
solar panels. In yet another embodiment, the present invention includes a
method of creating a sheltered spaced that makes use of a solar panel
array that creates electricity, where the method also includes using the
electricity to cool an area beneath the array. For example, the
electricity produced from the array can be used to power a water pump
that delivers water to a water-misting device secured to the array. A
network of water lines and misting-nozzles can be distributed throughout
the array to provide cooling under the array which when coupled with the
shade, produced by the overhead array, can be used to effectively cool
the area under the array.

[0010]In further embodiments, various combinations of curved shaped and
planar shaped panel receivers are used in solar arrays sized to meet
specific installation requirements.

[0011]In other embodiments, the present invention includes systems
comprising various combinations of support cables, anchor lines, anchors,
and support columns.

[0012]The systems and methods for supporting the solar panel arrays can be
configured such that the panel arrays are supported by members that are
in tension, compression, or combinations of both. To support the solar
panels by tension, the main supporting cables are suspended from columns
or other stationary supports, and the cables are allowed to hang with a
curvature determined by the amount of tension placed on the cables
between opposing columns/stationary supports. These main cables include
an upper cable and a lower cable positioned vertically below the upper
cable. Vertically oriented interconnecting cables interconnect the upper
and lower cables. The combination of the upper cable, lower cable, and
interconnecting cables can be defined as a truss. Multiple trusses can be
used to support a solar panel array in which the trusses can be spaced at
some distance from one another and extend substantially parallel to one
another. The pods or receivers are then arranged such that they extend
transversely between adjacent trusses. When cables are used for all of
the elements of the truss, the truss can be further characterized as a
tension truss. It is also contemplated that rigid interconnecting members
can be used between the upper and lower cables to produce a truss that
places the interconnecting members in compression, and therefore the
truss can be further characterized as a compression truss.

[0013]The pods or receivers may be curved shaped or planer such that the
solar panels either conform to a general curvature or extend in a flat,
planar configuration. One manner in which to mount the pods is to create
a generally convex pod mounting that follows the convex curvature of an
upper or main cable. Another manner in which to mount the pods is to
create a generally concave pod mounting that follows the concave
curvature of a lower main cable. Combinations of both convex and concave
mountings are also contemplated. The systems of the present invention are
also well adapted for creating a solar panel array that may have a
complex curved shape. In this complex curved shape aspect of the
invention, shims can be used where the struts connect to the main cables
therefore allowing the pod to maintain an irregular orientation with
respect to the cables, which may or may not extend parallel to one
another. Alternatively, ball joint connections may be used where the
struts connect to the main cables allowing the pod to maintain an
irregular orientation with respect to the cables.

[0014]In some embodiments of the invention, the solar panel arrays can be
free standing structures in which the arrays are solely supported by the
system of cables and columns. In other embodiments, the solar panel
arrays of the present invention may be directly supported in part by
existing structures, such as buildings. In other embodiments, the columns
and cables can be used to create both portable and permanent structures
wherein the trusses are not only used to support the solar panel arrays,
but also to support a roof of the structure.

[0015]Due to advantageous wind deflecting characteristics that can be
achieved by airfoils placed at selected ends of the solar panel arrays,
the solar panel arrays are ideal for incorporating windmills to
supplement power generation. In one preferred form, the windmills can be
vertical axis windmills that are mounted directly to the columns or other
supports of the solar panel arrays. Aerodynamic characteristics of the
solar panel array can be controlled to cause an increase in airflow speed
as the airflow passes over the solar panels which are captured as
effective wind energy for powering the windmills.

[0016]In other systems and methods of the present invention, the pods or
receivers may be mounted such that the pods may be rotated along a single
axis or multiple axes so that the panels can better track the movement of
the sun, thereby enhancing power output. Accordingly, the invention may
incorporate single and dual tracker devices that are used to selectively
rotate the orientation of the solar panels.

[0017]The present invention also provides a means to selectively adjust
the tensioning in the interconnecting cables by tensioning devices
mounted directly to the cable trusses. For example, the tensioning
devices can be mounted on the adjacent upper or lower main cables, and
the diagonally or vertically extending interconnecting cables pass
through a pulley mechanism of each of the tensioning devices.

[0018]In yet another aspect of the present invention, the type and
arrangement of the pods/receivers and the types of PV cells are selected
based upon the particular intended use of the invention, such as whether
the invention is intended solely for producing power, or to also achieve
a secondary function such as providing shade, serving as a structure with
a roof, and others. For example, the solar panels can be conventional
planar solar panels that are mounted on the receivers/pods in a desired
arrangement. In another example, the solar panels may include cylindrical
shaped PV cells such as those manufactured by Solyndra® of Fremont
Calif. As mentioned, one advantage of tubular/cylindrical shaped PV
elements is that they provide an increased surface area for the
photoaltaic cells as compared to planar arranged PV cells, and the tube
shaped cells are self-tracking in that a portion of the outer surface of
the tubes can be more easily oriented in a direct relationship with
sunlight as sunlight angles change during the course of a day.

[0019]Because of the many different arrangements of solar panels that can
be produced with the cable and column combinations, the present invention
has the capability to be employed in many different land uses. The
systems of the present invention are easily constructed in wide open
spaces, but also are adaptable for installation within urban environments
subject to land spaced constraints as well as sloping terrain. The
systems of the present invention can also be easily integrated with a
number of secondary use purposes such as production of shade, support for
an underlying structure, supplemental power generation by incorporation
of windmills, among others.

[0020]Further advantages and features of the systems and methods of the
present invention will become apparent from a review of the following
figures, along with the detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a solar panel array supported in
accordance to an illustrative embodiment;

[0022]FIG. 2 is a longitudinal section view of a solar panel array
supported in accordance to an illustrative embodiment;

[0023]FIG. 3 is a horizontal section view of a solar panel array supported
in accordance to an illustrative embodiment;

[0024]FIG. 4 is a perspective rear view of an illustrative solar panel
array;

[0025]FIG. 5 is a perspective side view of an illustrative solar panel
array;

[0026]FIG. 6 is a rear perspective view of an illustrative pod showing the
use of several struts and cords to create a rigid member;

[0027]FIG. 7 is a section view of an illustrative pod including several
optional features;

[0052]FIG. 32 is an enlarged fragmentary perspective view of the
embodiment of FIG. 27 illustrating details of the pod constructions,
cable connections, and the manner in which the solar panels are mounted
to the curved struts of the panel receiver/pod rows;

[0053]FIG. 32A is a greatly enlarged section of FIG. 32 illustrating the
intersection of four panel receivers/pods and showing the gaps between
each pod and the cable arrangement providing support;

[0054]FIG. 33 is another enlarged fragmentary perspective view of the
embodiment of FIG. 27, but illustrating an alternative construction for
the curved struts that extend continuously across the rows of pods;

[0055]FIG. 34 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the present
invention showing three rows of panel receivers/pods with convex
curvatures when viewed from above;

[0056]FIG. 35 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the present
invention showing three rows of panel receivers/pods with concave
curvatures when viewed from above;

[0057]FIG. 36 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the present
invention showing a plurality of three row configurations joined to form
an array with three primary spans;

[0058]FIG. 37 is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of the
present invention showing a plurality of three row configurations joined
to form an array with three primary spans;

[0059]FIG. 38 is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of the
present invention showing a plurality of three row configurations joined
to form an array with three primary spans and a plurality of openings
formed in the array by removing selected panel receivers/pods;

[0060]FIG. 39 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the present
invention showing three groups of three row pod configurations spaced
apart from one another;

[0061]FIG. 40 is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of the
present invention showing a plurality of three row configurations joined
to form an array with three primary spans and incorporating different
columns;

[0062]FIG. 41 is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of the
present invention showing a plurality of three row configurations joined
to form an array with three primary spans similar to the embodiment in
FIG. 41, but incorporating exterior columns extending at an angle.

[0063]FIG. 42 is a perspective view of yet another embodiment especially
adapted for installation over an aqueduct.

[0071]FIG. 50 is a perspective view of another pod or receiver
construction in accordance with another embodiment of the present
invention;

[0072]FIG. 51 is a perspective view of the receiver of FIG. 50 with the
solar panels mounted thereon;

[0073]FIG. 52 is a reverse perspective view of the receiver/pod and solar
panels of the embodiment of FIGS. 50 and 51;

[0074]FIG. 53 is an elevation view taken along line 53-53 of FIG. 51;

[0075]FIG. 54 is another elevation view taken along line 54-54 of FIG. 51;

[0076]FIG. 55 is a plan view of yet another pod or receiver construction
in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;

[0077]FIG. 56 is a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 55
illustrating the pod/receiver construction;

[0078]FIG. 57 is a perspective view of an array incorporating the
triangular shaped pod/receivers shown in the embodiment of FIGS. 55 and
56;

[0079]FIG. 58 is a perspective view of yet another embodiment in
accordance with the present invention;

[0080]FIG. 59 is a side elevation view taken along line 59-59 of FIG. 58
illustrating further details of this embodiment;

[0081]FIG. 60 is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of the
present invention incorporating a pair of airfoils at each end of the
array;

[0082]FIG. 60A is an enlarged fragmentary perspective view of one of the
airfoils and specifically illustrating an example pod/receiver
construction;

[0083]FIG. 61 is a side elevation view of one of the arrays of the present
invention and specifically showing pressure patterns that are exerted
upon the array based upon air flow traveling over and through the array;

[0084]FIG. 62 is another elevation view of the array illustrated in FIG.
61 but further incorporating airfoils that change the resulting airflow
pattern as air contacts the array;

[0085]FIG. 63 is a perspective view of the embodiment illustrated in FIG.
14 but further incorporating flexible sealing brackets between the
receivers;

[0086]FIG. 64 is an enlarged fragmentary perspective view taken along line
64-64 of FIG. 63 illustrating details of a sealing bracket;

[0087]FIG. 65 is an elevation view of another preferred embodiment of the
present invention including an adjustable tensioning device;

[0088]FIG. 66 is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 65 illustrating the
adjustable tensioning device;

[0089]FIG. 67 is a cross sectional view taken along line 67/67 of FIG. 66
illustrating further details of the adjustable tensioning device;

[0090]FIG. 68 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the present
invention including a plurality of vertical axis windmills mounted to
columns of the solar panel array;

[0091]FIG. 69 is an elevation view of the embodiment of FIG. 68 taken
along line 69-69 further including airfoils connected to opposing ends of
the array for modifying airflow over the array and thereby enhancing the
ability of the windmills to produce power;

[0093]FIG. 71 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 71/71 of FIG. 68
illustrating further details of the embodiment of FIG. 68;

[0094]FIG. 72 is an elevation view of another embodiment of the present
invention incorporating a combination of tension and compression members
in a truss enabling a convex and concave mounting of solar panels;

[0095]FIG. 73 is an elevation view of the embodiment of FIG. 72 showing an
additional span of pods and vertical axis windmills incorporated in an
installation of the solar panel array with a building;

[0096]FIG. 74 is a perspective view of a solar panel array as shown in the
embodiment of FIG. 73, with the vertical axis windmills and the
underlying roof structure removed for clarity to show the arrangement of
the array;

[0097]FIG. 75 is an elevation view of yet another embodiment of the
present invention illustrating a compression truss with solar panels
mounted on the lower main cable producing a concave arrangement of the
solar panels;

[0098]FIG. 76 is an elevation view of another embodiment of the present
invention illustrating a compression truss for supporting a solar panel
array disposed in a horizontal plane, and the truss also used to support
a roof or covering incorporated in the array;

[0099]FIG. 77 is another elevation view of another embodiment of the
present invention illustrating a compression truss for supporting a solar
panel array, and the truss also used to support a roof or covering
incorporated in the array in which the array follows the contour of the
roof/covering;

[0100]FIG. 78 is another elevation view illustrating a compression truss
for supporting solar panels and a building roof or covering disposed
below the solar panels;

[0101]FIG. 79 is a perspective view of an embodiment showing two spans of
a compression truss arrangement;

[0103]FIG. 81 is a perspective view of a panel receiver or pod supporting
a plurality of solar panels arranged to form a complex shape in which the
solar panels extend at different angles as supported between pairs of
adjacent cables;

[0104]FIG. 82 is a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 81 in which
the solar panels have been removed to expose the receiver/pod
construction;

[0105]FIG. 83 is a greatly enlarged fragmentary elevation view of a
connection between the upper support cable and a main support beam of the
pod utilizing a ball joint construction;

[0106]FIG. 84 is another greatly enlarged fragmentary elevation view of
the connection between a support cable and a main support beam of the pod
utilizing shims or wedges to achieve the desired offset orientation
between the cables and the main support beams of the pod;

[0107]FIG. 85 is an elevation view illustrating the orientation of the pod
elements and supporting cables without the solar panels mounted as taken
along line 85-85 of FIG. 82;

[0108]FIG. 86 is an elevation view taken along line 86-86 of FIG. 82
illustrating the solar panels mounted to the receiver;

[0109]FIG. 87 is a perspective view of another embodiment having two spans
of convex mounted pods incorporating compression trusses;

[0111]FIG. 89 is the perspective view of FIG. 87 with the solar panels
removed to expose the pod constructions;

[0112]FIG. 90 is an enlarged fragmentary perspective view of a pod in the
embodiment of FIG. 89 with the solar panels removed to expose the
particular construction of the pod elements;

[0113]FIG. 91 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the present
invention that may incorporate a dual tracking capability with respect to
orientation of the pods in two separate adjustments in order that the
pods may track the sun by rotation in two separate axes;

[0117]FIG. 95 is an enlarged fragmentary perspective view of a dual axis
tracking mechanism provided in connection with the present invention and
incorporated by way of example in the embodiment of FIG. 91;

[0118]FIG. 96 is an enlarged fragmentary perspective view of a single axis
tracking mechanism provided in connection with the present invention and
incorporated by way of example in the embodiment of FIG. 91;

[0119]FIG. 97 is an elevation view of weights that can be used to
stabilize a truss during construction of the array in accordance with
another aspect of the present invention;

[0120]FIG. 98 is an elevation view of another type of truss in which
weights can be used to stabilize the truss during construction of the
array;

[0121]FIG. 99 is an enlarged fragmentary elevation view of a temporary
truss support assembly that can be used during construction of a truss;

[0122]FIG. 99A is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 99 detailing the
construction of the connection between the temporary truss support and a
cable of the truss;

[0123]FIG. 100 is an elevation view of a type of temporary or permanent
truss support feature enabling truss components such as two compression
members of the truss to extend on opposing sides of a cable;

[0124]FIG. 101 is a perspective view of another preferred embodiment of
the solar panel array in accordance with the present invention in which a
single tracking capability is provided for linear extending rows of solar
panels;

[0125]FIG. 102 is an elevation view taken along line 102-102 of FIG. 101;

[0126]FIG. 103 is an elevation view taken along line 103-103 of FIG. 101;

[0127]FIG. 104 is a plan view of the embodiment of FIG. 101;

[0128]FIG. 105 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the present
invention in which a single tracking capability is provided for solar
panels that are individually controllable with respect to the tracking
function;

[0129]FIG. 106 is an elevation view taken along line 106/106 of FIG. 105;

[0130]FIG. 107 is a plan view of the embodiment of FIG. 105;

[0131]FIG. 108 is an enlarged fragmentary perspective view of a pod in the
embodiment of FIG. 105 with the solar panels removed to expose the
construction of the pod elements;

[0132]FIG. 109 is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of the
present invention showing two spans of convex mounted pods with single
axis tracking capability and pods mounted to follow the counter of the
upper cables;

[0133]FIG. 110 is a side elevation view as taken along lines 110-110 of
FIG. 109:

[0134]FIG. 111 is a plan view of the embodiment of FIG. 109;

[0135]FIG. 112 is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of the
present invention showing two spans of convex mounted pods with single
axis tracking capability and pods mounted to achieve a planar
configuration;

[0136]FIG. 113 is a side elevation view as taken along lines 113-113 of
FIG. 112;

[0137]FIG. 114 is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of the
present invention showing two spans of convex mounted pods with single
axis tracking capability and pods mounted to achieve a planar
configuration in which the pods are located midway between the upper and
lower cables of the trusses;

[0138]FIG. 115 is a side elevation view as taken along lines 115-115 of
FIG. 114;

[0139]FIG. 116 is a side elevation view illustrating the a single tracking
capability of the present invention to reverse orient pods in order to
handle shading conditions produced by the array;

[0140]FIG. 117 is an enlarged fragmentary perspective view of a
representative embodiment of the present invention incorporating tube or
cylindrical shaped PV elements;

[0141]FIG. 118 is a schematic view of another single axis tracking
mechanism in accordance with the present invention in which a biasing
capability is provided to allow for some range of allowable rotation of
the pods in response to high winds; and

[0142]FIG. 119 is a schematic diagram of a control system in connection
with another aspect of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0143]The following detailed description should be read with reference to
the drawings. The drawings, which are not necessarily to scale, depict
illustrative embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of the
invention.

[0144]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a solar panel array supported in
accordance with an illustrative embodiment. A solar panel array 10 is
illustrated as including a number of solar panel receivers or pods 12.
Pairs of short columns 14a, 14b and tall columns 16a, 16b are aligned
with one another. The pairs of columns 14a, 16a and 14b, 16b may also be
connected by a stability cable 18 that runs along the edges of the array
10. The solar panel receivers 12 are held above a surface 20 at a height
22 defined by the columns 14a, 14b, 16a, 16b. A first main cable 24 is
suspended between the short columns 14a, 14b, and a second main cable 26
is suspended between the tall columns 16a, 16b. The solar panel receivers
12 are designed to be supported by the cables 24, 26, so that the overall
design is a lightweight, flexible and strong solar panel array 10 that
leaves plenty of usable, sheltered spaced below. Anchor lines 28 and
anchors 30 may be used to provide further support and to enable the use
of lightweight columns 14a, 14b, 16a, 16b. Anchor lines 28 may be cables
or steel rods.

[0145]The surface 20 may be, for example, a generally flat area of ground,
a picnic area in a park, a parking lot, or a playground. The height 22
may be chosen to allow for a desired activity to occur beneath the array
10. For example, if a parking lot is beneath the array 10, the height 22
may be sufficient to allow typical cars and light trucks to be parked
underneath the array 10, or the height may be higher to allow commercial
trucks to be parked beneath the array 10. If a playground is beneath the
array 10, the array 10 may have a height 22 chosen to allow installation
of desired playground equipment.

[0146]Any suitable material and/or structure may be used for the columns
14a, 14b, 16a, and 16b including, for example, concrete, metal, a simple
pole, or a more complicated trussed column. In some embodiments a footing
may be placed beneath the base of each of the columns 14a, 14b, 16a, and
16b to provide stability on relatively soft ground. The cables 18, 24,
and 26 and anchor lines 28 may be made of any material and design
include, for example, metals, composites, and/or polymeric fibers. In one
embodiment the primary material used in the columns 14a, 14b, 16a, and
16b, the cables 24 and 26 and the anchor lines 28 are steel. Because the
primary support technology for the array 10 are cables 24 and 26 under
tension, the design is both visually and literally lightweight.

[0147]While FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment wherein the columns 14a, 14b,
16a, and 16b are either "short" or "tall", in other embodiments all the
columns may be the same height. No particular angle of elevation is
required by the present invention; however, it is contemplated that,
depending upon the latitude, time of year, and perhaps other factors,
certain angles may be more effective in capturing incident sunlight.

[0148]FIG. 2 is a longitudinal section view of a solar panel array
supported in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. The array 10
illustrates the relative spacing of the rows of the array 10, and helps
show how the stability cable 18 connects the columns 14 and 16 of the
array 10. The stability cable 18 may be coupled to an anchor member as
well, though this is not shown in FIG. 2. It can be seen that the
relative heights of the columns 14 and 16 help to define the angle the
solar panel receivers 12 have with respect to the incident sunlight. In
some embodiments, the columns 14 and 16 or the solar panel receivers 12
may include a mechanism allowing for adjustment of the angle of the solar
panel receivers 12. To do so, for example, the length of the columns 14,
16 may be adjusted, or the solar panel receivers 12 may include a
mechanism for changing the angle of individual panels or entire receivers
12. For example, as the season changes, the height of the sun in the sky
may vary sufficiently to affect the efficiency of the solar panel
receivers 12, and so it may be desirable to vary the angle of the
receivers 12. Also, as the sun moves throughout the day it may be
desirable to change the angle of the receivers 12 to improve light
reception.

[0149]FIG. 3 is a horizontal section view of a solar panel array supported
in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. As illustrated, the array
10 is supported by short columns 14a and 14b, tall columns 16a and 16b,
and cables 24 and 26. Anchor lines 28 and anchors 30 are provided to
improve stability and allow the use of lightweight columns 14a, 14b, 16a,
and 16b. The solar panel receivers 12 are illustrated as pairs of
individual units 32 having gaps 34 between each unit 32. The gaps 34
allow for air movement, reducing the amount of wind resistance of the
array 10. The gaps 34 also allow for relative movement of the units 32
since the cables 24 and 26 are somewhat flexible.

[0150]FIG. 4 is a perspective rear view of an illustrative solar panel
array. It can be seen that the stability cables 18 are coupled in various
configurations along the length of the array 10, linking the short
columns 14 and tall columns 16 to create a linked structure. The array 10
also includes various anchor cables 28 and anchor points 30, including at
the end of the array 10 that may help anchor the stability cables 18.

[0151]FIG. 5 is a perspective side view of an illustrative solar panel
array 10 that is similar to that shown in FIGS. 1-4. It can be
appreciated from the several views of FIGS. 1-5 that the illustrative
array 10 provides a readily usable shelter that is amenable to a variety
of activities.

[0152]FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate a pod that may be used as a solar panel
receiver. The "pods" illustrated herein are intended to provide an
example of a solar panel receiver that may be used with the present
invention. The solar panel receiver may, of course, have a variety of
other structures to perform its function of holding one or more solar
panels while being adapted to couple to support cables as illustrated
herein.

[0153]FIG. 6 is a rear perspective view of an illustrative pod showing the
use of several struts and cords to create a rigid member. The pod 40 is
shown with several solar panels 42 which may be, for example,
photovoltaic panels. A maintenance walkway 44 is included as an optional
feature of the pod 40. Several curved struts 46 extend vertically along
the back of the pod 40, with several horizontal struts 48 coupled by
moment connections to the curved struts 46. By using moment connections,
the overall structure becomes a rigid yet lightweight frame for receiving
the solar panels 42. A center strut 50 extends out of the back of the pod
40, and is connected to a truss cable 52 which provides another
lightweight yet highly supportive aspect of the structure. The center
strut 50 and truss cable 52 allow a lightweight curved strut 46 to be
used, lending support to the center of the curved strut 46.

[0154]In another embodiment, rather than creating electricity with
photovoltaic panels, the present invention may also be used to support
solar panels that collect solar thermal energy. The solar thermal
collectors could be mounted on the solar panel receivers illustrated
herein, and thermal energy could be collected by the use of a heat
transfer medium pumped through flexible tubing. In one such embodiment,
glycol may be used as a mobile heat transfer medium, though any suitable
material may be used.

[0155]FIG. 7 is a section view of an illustrative pod including several
optional features. The pod 40 is shown with solar panels 42 in place. The
optional maintenance walkway 44 is again shown on the lower portion of
the curved member 46. The center strut 50 and truss cable 52 again
provide support to the curved member 46. The pod 40 may include, for
example, a mister 54 that can be used to provide evaporative cooling to
the sheltered area beneath a solar array using the pod 40. The pod 40 may
also include a light 56 or security camera, for example. In one
embodiment, a solar array may be used to provide a parking shelter, with
the solar array storing electricity during the day using, for example,
fuel cells or batteries, and then discharging the stored electricity by
lighting the shelter during the evening.

[0156]Two cable receivers 58 and 60 are also illustrated. While shown in
the form of a simple opening that a cable may pass through, the cable
receivers 58 and 60 may take on a number of other forms. For example, the
cable receivers 58 and 60 may include a mechanism for releasably locking
onto a cable. It can be appreciated from FIGS. 6 and 7 that the
illustrative pod 40 is designed so that rain is readily directed off of
the solar panels, as the water will run down the curve of the pod 40. In
other embodiments, the pod 40 may be more or less flat, rather than
having the curvature shown, or may have a different curvature than that
shown.

[0157]FIG. 8 is a perspective front view of several solar panel receivers
linked together. A first solar panel receiver 70, a second solar panel
receiver 72, and a third solar panel receiver 74 are supported by a main
upper support cable 76 and a main lower support cable 78. An optional
maintenance walkway 80 is illustrated as well. Also included is a
flexible electric cable 82 that allows for transmission of electrical
power from each of the solar panel receivers 70, 72 and 74 when solar
energy is captured. The flexible electric cable 82 may also serve to
distribute power to devices such as security cameras or lighting that may
be provided beneath the solar panel receivers 70, 72 and 74.

[0158]FIG. 9 is a front elevation view of several solar panel receivers
linked together. Again, the solar panel receivers 70, 72 and 74 are shown
supported by an upper support cable 76 and a lower support cable 78, and
include an optional maintenance walkway 80. Two flexible electric cables
82a and 82b are illustrated in FIG. 9, and may serve the same purposes as
that noted above with respect to FIG. 8. It is clearly shown in FIG. 9
that there is a gap 84 between the solar panel receivers 70, 72 and 74.
The gap 84 allows the solar panel receivers 70, 72 and 74 to move
independently, rendering the overall array less rigid and more likely to
withstand high winds. The gap 84 also prevents neighboring solar panel
receivers (i.e. 70 and 72 or 72 and 74) from damaging one another in
windy conditions.

[0159]Depending on the desired output of the array, the flexible electric
cables 82a and 82b may be coupled to a substation for gathering produced
power and providing an output. For example, the electricity gathered is
inherently direct current power; an array as illustrated herein may be
easily used to charge batteries or fuel cells. The power may also be used
with an electrolyzer to produce hydrogen and oxygen, with the hydrogen
available for use as a fuel.

[0160]FIG. 10 is a perspective front and side view of an illustrative
solar panel array including a center support member. The illustrative
array 100 includes a number of alternating short columns 102 and tall
columns 104, with main lower and upper support cables 106 and 108
suspended from the columns 102 and 104. Anchor lines 110 and anchors 112
provide additional support, and the array 100 supports a number of solar
panel receivers 114. The further addition in FIG. 10 is the inclusion of
a center support 116, which allows for a longer span to be covered
between the columns 102 and 104, reducing the need to place additional
anchors 112. Further, because the center support 116 does not have to
provide stability against lateral movement, and only needs to provide
vertical support, the center support 116 may be of an even lighter weight
construction than the outer columns 102 and 104.

[0161]FIG. 11 is a section view showing an illustrative solar panel array
including a center support member. Again, the array 100 is supported by
the use of a short column 102, a tall column 104, a lower support cable
106 and an upper support cable 108. The array 100 is stabilized in part
by the use of anchor lines 110 and anchors 112, and a number of solar
panel receivers 114 are supported. The center column 116 provides a
central support, but is not required to add to the lateral stability of
the array 100, because there are portions of the array pulling equally on
both sides of the center column 116.

[0162]FIG. 12 is a front elevation view of an illustrative solar panel
array suspended across a valley. An array 120 is suspended across a
valley 122 by the use of four anchors 124 that enable two main support
cables 126 and 128 to be suspended across the valley 122. A number of
solar panel receivers 130 are supported by the support cables 126 and
128. By suspending the array 120 across the valley 122, a desired height
132 above the valley floor can be achieved by the array. The height 132
may be sufficient to allow wildlife to pass below.

[0163]A number of potential environmental benefits from this type of
structure can be identified, including that the structure provides a
quiet and safe energy production array, the structure provides shade
and/or shelter, and the structure can be installed without requiring a
large amount of heavy machinery. The use of an array over eroding ground
may encourage foliage growth in highly exposed locations and thus slow
erosion.

[0164]FIG. 13 is an overhead plan view of an illustrative solar panel
array suspended across a valley. It can be seen that the array 120 is
designed to match the shape of the valley 122. In particular, the array
120 includes a number of individual lines of solar panel receivers 130.
By varying the number of solar panel receivers 130 suspended by each pair
of support cables, a relatively short line 134 can match a relatively
narrow place in the valley 122, while longer lines 136 and 138 span a
wider portion of the valley 122.

[0165]FIGS. 14-16 illustrate yet another preferred embodiment of the
present invention, in the form of a solar panel array 200 comprising a
plurality of receivers or pods 214 supported by another arrangement of
cables and columns. More specifically, FIGS. 14 and 15 illustrate a
plurality of spaced pods 214 each containing a number of solar panels
216, a first main lower cable 206 supporting one end of the pods, and a
second main upper cable 208 supporting an opposite end of the pods. First
cable 206 is strung between short columns 204, while second cable 208 is
strung between tall columns 202. A pair of complementary support cables
is also provided to further support the pods 214, namely, a front
complementary support cable 210 and a rear complementary support cable
211. Cables 210 and 211 are particularly useful in resisting upward
forces generated by wind loads. A number of vertically oriented
connecting cables 212 interconnect the complementary support cables 210
and 211 to their corresponding first and second cables 206 and 208. The
embodiment of FIGS. 14-16 also includes cross-supports 220 that extend
between the columns 202 and 204. Members 202, 204, and 220 may be
metallic and made of material such as steel or aluminum; and these
members may be configured as I-beams, channels, tubular members, and
others. The gaps 222 provided between the pods 214 allow wind to pass
between the pods and therefore prevent damage to the system during high
wind conditions. Anchor lines 224 extend from each of the columns to
respective anchors 218. It shall be understood that additional anchor
lines 224 can be added to provide the necessary support to the columns.
FIG. 15 is a rear elevation of the embodiment of FIG. 14, better
illustrating the complementary support cables 210 and 211.

[0166]The side view of FIG. 16 also illustrates that the anchor lines 224
may be placed in-line with the columns to minimize the side profile of
the system. FIGS. 14-16 also show a number of other geometrical features
defining the construction and overall appearance of the system. For
example, the complementary support cables 210 and 211 are coplanar with
their corresponding first/second cables 206 and 208. The panel receivers
or pods 214 have a first end residing at a first height, and a second end
residing at a second lower height. The panel receivers or pods 214 are
substantially rectangular shaped and evenly spaced from one another along
the first and second cables 206 and 208. The first cable 206 defines a
first curvature, the second cable 208 defines a second curvature
extending substantially parallel to the first curvature. The
complementary support cables 210 and 211 have a generally opposite
curvature as compared to the first and second cables 206 and 208, and the
complementary support cables 210 and 211 also extend substantially
parallel to one another. The gaps 222 between each panel 216 may be
substantially triangular shaped such that the portions of the gaps
located adjacent to the second cable 208 are smaller than the portions of
the gaps located adjacent to the first cable 206. As also shown in FIGS.
15 and 16, the columns 202 and 204 extend at an angle from the mounting
surface such that the upper ends of the columns 202 and 204 are further
apart from one another as compared to the lower ends of the columns 202
and 204. Angling the columns towards the outside of the structure in this
manner increases the structure's efficiency to resist horizontal forces
such as wind or seismic loads; and thus enables a reduction in the
required size of the anchor lines 224 and anchors 218.

[0167]Depending upon the location where the solar panel array is to be
installed, it may be necessary to adjust the location of the columns in
order to take advantage of available ground spaced and to maximize the
area to be covered by the solar panel array. For example, if the solar
panel array is used to cover a parking lot, it may be necessary to adjust
the location of the columns based upon available spaced in the parking
lot, in order to maximize the overall area covered by the solar panels by
the non-vertical columns. Thus, in the embodiment of FIGS. 14-16,
non-vertical columns allow the group of pods to extend over a greater
overall area as opposed to use of vertical columns anchored at the same
column locations. Additionally, there may also be some aesthetic benefits
achieved in arranging the columns in various combinations of both
vertical and angular extensions from the mounting surface.

[0168]FIG. 17 illustrates yet another embodiment of the present invention.
In this embodiment, an intermediate support 230 is provided that extends
vertically from the ground, while the outside or exterior columns extend
at an angle, like those illustrated in FIG. 15. In this embodiment, the
receivers or pods 214 can also be defined as corresponding to a first
group 226 and a second group 228. In the first group 226, the pods 214
extend between one of the exterior column pairs and the intermediate
support 230, while the second group 228 of pods extends between the
opposite exterior column pair and the intermediate support 230. FIG. 18
is a rear elevation view of the embodiment of FIG. 17, further disclosing
particular details of this embodiment to include the complementary
support cables 210 and 211.

[0169]FIG. 19 illustrates yet another preferred embodiment of the present
invention. In this embodiment, in lieu of single columns that are secured
to the mounting surface, the columns 240 and 242 are arranged in a
V-shaped configuration. The lower ends of the columns 240 and 242 are
anchored at the same location while the upper ends of the columns 240 and
242 diverge from one another. As with each of the previous embodiments,
the V-configured columns 240 and 242 may be made of tubular members or
other types of metallic members. As also shown, the anchor lines 224 for
each pair of the V-configured columns may be oriented so that there is a
single anchor point 218 from which the anchor lines extend. The V- shaped
columns minimize the number of anchors 218 required for the array
structure.

[0170]Referring to FIG. 20, a rear elevation view is provided of the
embodiment of FIG. 19. This Figure also shows the manner in which the
various anchor lines 224 for each column pair terminate at a common
anchor point 218. FIG. 21 illustrates the manner in which the anchor
lines 224 may extend in a V-shaped configuration to match the columns 240
and 242 and thus minimize the side profile of the system. Additionally,
in this embodiment a stabilizing cable 244 may be provided that extends
between the upper ends of the column pairs.

[0171]FIG. 22 illustrates yet another preferred embodiment of the present
invention, wherein the V-shaped column supports 240 and 242 are utilized
in an extended row of pods 214. More specifically, a pair of outside or
end columns 246 are provided along with a pair of intermediate columns
248. Based upon the required length of the solar panel array, the
necessary combination of intermediate column supports can be provided for
adequate structural support.

[0172]Referring to FIG. 23, yet another embodiment of the present
invention is illustrated comprising a plurality of rows 250 of solar
panel arrays and wherein the column supports 202 and 204 extend
substantially vertically from the mounting surface. In this embodiment,
it is noted that the anchor lines 224 for each column pair extend to a
common anchor point 218. The rows 250 may be selectively spaced from one
another to provide the optimal area coverage for the solar panel arrays,
as well as optimal shade in the event the arrays are used to cover a
structure such as a parking lot. Thus, it shall be understood that the
rows 250 may be either spaced more closely to one another, or farther
apart depending upon the particular purpose of installation.

[0173]FIG. 24 illustrates yet another preferred embodiment of the present
invention, showing a plurality of rows 252 of solar panel arrays wherein
the V-column configuration is used with column supports 240 and 242. As
with the embodiment shown in FIG. 23, the rows 252 may be either spaced
more closely to one another, or farther apart depending upon the
particular purpose of installation. FIG. 24 also illustrates some
additional anchor lines 225 that are used to further stabilize the rows
252 of solar panel arrays. These anchor lines 225 are particularly
advantageous in handling laterally directed forces, such as wind.

[0174]With each of the embodiments of the present invention, it shall be
understood that the particular height at which the solar panels are
located can be selectively adjusted for the particular purpose of
installation.

[0175]FIG. 25 illustrates yet another preferred embodiment of the present
invention, wherein each of the solar panels 216 may be rotatably mounted
to their corresponding supporting pod or receiver. As shown, the
embodiment of FIG. 25 incorporates curved struts 260 and pivot mounts 262
that enable each of the solar panels 216 to be disposed at a desired
angle with respect to the sun. The pivot mounts 262 can take a number of
forms. For example, a pivot mount 262 could include a continuous member
such as a steel rod or square tubular member that extends horizontally
across the corresponding receiver or pod and which is secured to an
overlying solar panel 216. The rod is then rotatably mounted within the
receiver or pod such that the solar panels 216 can be grasped and rotated
to the desired inclination with respect to an optimal sun-capturing
orientation. This configuration of mounting the solar panels on a round
or square tube provides additional strength and rigidity to the pod
structures, and reduces torsional and in-plane forces exerted on the
solar panels from wind loads that cause the pods to move in the wind.

[0176]FIG. 26 illustrates a receiver or pod 214 that may incorporate a
group of linear or straight struts. As shown, a plurality of first struts
270, and a plurality of second orthogonally oriented struts 272 are
provided to support the solar panels 216 mounted to the pod. The receiver
or pod shown in FIG. 26 supports a group of ten solar panels 216 arranged
in a 2 by 5 matrix. A width of the pod may be defined as the distance
between the most outer or exterior first struts 270, and a height of the
pod may be defined as the distance between the most outer or exterior
second struts 272. The height of the pod can be increased by extending
the length of the first struts 270 but not requiring the cables 206 and
208 to be secured at the opposite ends of the pod which would require the
cables 206 and 208 to be spread further apart and therefore widening the
overall size of the array. For this extended pod length, the cables 206
remain attached at their normal spacing and the extended ends of the
struts 270 simply extend beyond the cables in a cantilevered arrangement.
In this alternate pod construction, additional solar panels can be added
to increase the power producing capability of the array without adjusting
other design parameters. The spacing of the pods when mounted to the
cables depends on a number of factors to such as the weight of the pods
and panels, wind conditions, snow loading conditions and others. In one
aspect of the invention, spacing the pods with gaps between the pods that
does not exceed the widths of the pods is acceptable for some
installations.

[0177]For the illustrative pod shown in FIG. 26, cable receivers 58 and 60
(such as shown in FIG. 7) may be incorporated thereon to allow the pod
attach to the cables 206 and 208. As previously mentioned, while the
cable receivers may be simply openings formed in the ends of the pods,
the cable receivers may take another form such as a mechanism which
selectively locks the pod onto the cable and therefore allows a pod to be
removed for maintenance or replacement. Accordingly, it shall be
understood that the pods can be removed from the cables as necessary to
either generate another different combination of pod arrangements or to
selectively replace/repair defective solar panels.

[0178]FIG. 27 illustrates another embodiment of the present invention
shown as solar array 300 comprising three rows, or linear extending
groups of panel receivers/pods, 302, 304, and 306. Exterior rows 302 and
306 are of the same construction, and are supported at their ends by
corresponding columns 316. Thus, the columns 316 are located at the
corners of the rectangular shaped solar array. In this embodiment, the
columns 316 are v-shaped with their lower ends received in a common
anchor/footer, and their upper ends diverging away from one another and
being curved as shown. The cables used to support the pods 322 in this
embodiment are similar to what is illustrated in the embodiment of FIG.
14; however, in the embodiment of FIG. 27, the pods 322 are oriented so
as to extend more parallel with respect to the surface of the ground as
explained in more detail below with reference to FIGS. 32 and 33. Row 304
is suspended between rows 302 and 306, and there are no end supporting
columns that directly support row 304; rather, row 304 is supported only
by the upper main cables 308 extending on opposite lateral sides of row
304, and which also support the respective lateral sides of the adjacent
rows 302 and 306. As shown in FIG. 28, complementary lower main cables
310 are disposed below the upper cables 308, and have an opposite
curvature as compared to cable 308. Vertically oriented interconnecting
cables 312 connect upper cables 308 and lower cables 310. An upper cable
308, a lower cable 310, and cables 312 that interconnect the upper and
lower cables can be collectively referred to as a truss. In the example
of FIG. 28, the truss members are each in tension and thus the truss can
be further defined as a tensioning truss or tension truss. A
cross-support cable or bar 314 (shown in FIG. 32) is provided between the
upper diverging ends of the column members 316. A plurality of anchor
cables 318 interconnects the columns 316 and anchor points 320 as also
shown in FIG. 28.

[0179]As also shown in FIG. 27, the pods 322 in row 302 and the pods 322
in row 306 have a convex curvature when viewing the array from above,
while row 304 has a concave curvature when viewed from above. This
compound curvature arrangement of rows 302, 304, and 306 provides a
wave-like appearance, and may offer certain benefits such as limiting
wind and snow loading conditions, as well as providing greater options in
terms of how the array may be oriented to best capture direct sunlight.

[0180]Referring to FIG. 29, it is shown that the rows 302, 304, and 306
extend straight or linearly, and parallel to one another. The embodiment
of FIG. 27 provides an array of pods in a 3×11 configuration;
however, it shall be understood that the length of the array may be
modified to best fit the particular installation needs and therefore the
rows of pods may incorporate less or more pods as needed. If the length
of the pod is to be increased, then interior columns may be provided
between spans as explained below with reference to embodiments such as
shown in FIGS. 36-41.

[0181]The bottom plan view of FIG. 30 further illustrates the particular
arrangement of cables to include how complementary lower cables 310 are
secured to the respective column members 316, and then extend in an arc
or curve along the length of the respective rows. FIG. 31 further
illustrates the convex and concave compound curvatures of the array when
viewed from a side view of the array.

[0182]Referring to FIG. 32, this enlarged fragmentary perspective view
illustrates the manner in which the solar panels 334 may be mounted to
the panel receivers/pods. The solar panels 334 are mounted to the
collection of curved struts 330 and perpendicularly oriented and
straight/linear struts 332. Specifically, each pod 322 is shown as having
a group of three curved struts 330, and three straight struts 332;
however depending upon loading conditions, enough structural support may
be provided by the use of two curved struts 330 and two straight struts
332. The spacing of such a 2×2 strut arrangement can be designed to
provide maximum support to the overlying solar panels. For example, it
may be desirable to space the 2×2 arrangement of struts so that
there is some overhang of the solar panels beyond the outside edges of
the struts. For rows 302 and 306, the curved struts are placed in an
orientation such that the ends curve downward and the middle portion or
area of the curved struts extend above the ends. For row 304, the curved
struts are reversed so that the ends curve upward and the middle area of
the struts are disposed below the ends. The curvature of struts 330 in
rows 302 and 306 provides the overhead convex appearance, while the
curvature of struts 330 in row 304 provides the overhead concave
appearance.

[0183]Referring to FIG. 32A, a greatly enlarged plan view of a section of
FIG. 32 is shown. This view shows the intersection of four panel
receivers/pods wherein a longitudinal gap 309 separates the pods between
rows, and a transverse gap 313 separates the transverse group of three
pods across the width of the array. The upper cable 308 bisects the
longitudinal gap 309 between the facing struts 332. Interconnecting
members 311 span the gap 309 and interconnect the facing ends of struts
332. Interconnecting members 311 may be, for example small sections of
cable, or could be more rigid members such as rods or plates. In the
event more rigid members such as rods or plates are used, a moment
connection can be incorporated where the members 311 attach to the
respective ends of the struts 332. It is also contemplated that in order
to increase array rigidity or stability, additional members 311 may be
placed to span the gaps 313 and therefore interconnect the facing curved
struts 330.

[0184]Now referring to FIG. 33, a different arrangement of struts is
illustrated wherein curved struts 330 are continuous across the entire
width or transverse section of the array. In this embodiment, the array
is more rigid since there is no gap or separation 309 between row 304 and
the exterior rows 302 and 306. The array still maintains the same
wave-like shape, but has greater rigidity in the transverse or lateral
direction. Thus, this strut arrangement can increase the structure's
resistance to horizontal loading from wind or seismic events especially
when cables 308 are sized to handle such anticipated loads.

[0185]Referring now to FIG. 34, another embodiment of a solar array 300 is
illustrated wherein the intermediate or interior row 304 has a convex
configuration as opposed to the concave configuration illustrated in FIG.
27. Therefore, the curved struts 330 for row 304 are oriented in the same
manner as the curved struts used in rows 302 and 306 so that the opposite
ends of the struts curve downward. This particular arrangement of the
pods may also provide benefits with respect to managing wind or snow
loading conditions, maximizing direct sunlight exposure, as well as to
provide a different aesthetic appearance. Additionally, more complete
water drainage is achieved by providing the convex shaped upper surface
and therefore this pod arrangement is especially suited for those
climates that may experience heavy precipitation.

[0186]Referring to FIG. 35, yet another configuration of an array 300 is
provided wherein each of the rows 302, 304 and 306 have a concave
configuration, like the configuration of row 304 in FIG. 27. Thus, the
struts 330 are each oriented so that the opposite ends curve upward. This
embodiment too may offer some benefits with respect to loading,
maximizing sunlight capture, and a different aesthetic appearance.

[0187]Referring to FIG. 36, another embodiment of the present invention is
shown in a larger solar array system 340 comprising three primary spans
342, 344, and 346. The spans are defined as running transversely in
relation to the rows of pods. This embodiment includes a plurality of
sets of the three-row configuration of FIG. 27 as well as interconnecting
rows 304 between the sets. Accordingly, FIG. 36 shows the rows of pods
302, 304, and 306 connected to one another in series. FIG. 36 also
illustrates gaps 347 between the spans 342, 344, and 346 that accommodate
mounting of intermediate columns 316. The embodiment of FIG. 36 is ideal
for those installations when it is desired to maximize coverage of solar
panels in a defined spaced, for example, to maximize electricity
production and/or to provide a shaded area under the solar panels.

[0188]FIG. 37 illustrates yet another embodiment of the present invention
showing an array 350 comprising three transversely oriented spans 352,
354, and 356. This embodiment also incorporates the sets of three row
configurations of pods 302, 304, and 306 arranged in series to one
another and including an interconnecting row 304 between each three-row
grouping. The columns 316 are shown as v-shaped members and without
curvature as compared to the columns 316 of FIG. 36. Gaps 357 are
provided to allow mounting of the intermediate columns 316. FIG. 37 also
represents that the pods incorporate continuous struts in the lateral or
transverse direction thus eliminating gaps 309 if viewing FIG. 32A, but
maintaining gaps 313.

[0189]FIG. 38 illustrates yet another embodiment of the present invention
illustrating an array 360 similar to the array 350 of FIG. 37, but the
array of FIG. 38 further incorporates a plurality of gaps or open spaced
368 that are formed by removing selected pods from a selected row/span.
Gaps 367 enable mounting of the intermediate columns 316. Three spans
362, 364 and 366 are shown in this embodiment. The removal of the pods in
this manner may be useful for achieving one of many purposes, such as to
modify wind/snow-loading conditions, to provide additional sunlight under
the array, or to provide a desired visual impression. The increased
amount of sunlight under the array will also facilitate better plant
growth that may be desirable in some installations where landscaping
under the array incorporates selected vegetation.

[0190]Referring to FIG. 39, yet another preferred embodiment of the
present invention is illustrated showing three spaced arrays 370, and
each array 370 having three primary spans 372, 374, and 376, as well as
the three row configuration of rows 302, 304, and 306. In the embodiment
of FIG. 39, instead of providing an interconnecting row 304 of pods,
there is complete separation among the arrays 370. Gaps 377 provide
mounting spaced for the intermediate columns 316. This embodiment may be
used in an installation where it may be necessary to provide gaps between
the arrays due to the presence of interfering structures or natural
obstacles, such as trees, lighting poles, etc. Safety requirements may
also be accommodated by the gaps so that emergency vehicles with large
heights are able to more easily access the areas between and under the
arrays. Alternatively, it may be desirable for the installation to have a
greater amount of sunlight between pod groups that is achieved by the
spaced arrays.

[0191]FIG. 40 illustrates yet another embodiment of the present invention
shown as array 380 comprising three primary spans 382, 384, and 386. This
embodiment also incorporates the three-row configuration of rows 302,
304, and 306 and the interconnecting rows 304 between each three-row
grouping. Gap 387 provides mounting spaced for the intermediate columns
388. In this embodiment, the columns 388 are pairs of spaced vertical
members, with an interconnecting and horizontally oriented cross support
389.

[0192]FIG. 41 illustrates yet another preferred embodiment of the present
invention, showing an array 390 comprising three primary spans 392, 394,
and 396, as well as the repeating arrangement of the three row
configuration of rows 302, 304, and 306 and the interconnecting rows 304
between each three row grouping. Cross-support cables or bars 399 are
provided between the upper ends of the columns. In this embodiment, the
most outward or end group of columns 400 extends at an angle from the
ground, while the interior columns 398 extend substantially perpendicular
from the ground. Gaps 397 provide mounting spaced for the interior column
398.

[0193]The embodiments of FIGS. 27-41, are particularly suited as ground
mount solar arrays, meaning that the height of the columns extends a
shorter distance above the ground, such as eight to fifteen feet. The
primary purpose of the ground mount solar arrays is to produce
electricity. These ground mounts can be located in an area that may not
be suitable for other construction purposes or may be used to fill in
unusable spaced within a commercial or industrial area to produce power.
Because of the lower height at which the solar panels are mounted, there
is less of a safety concern as compared to overhead mounted solar panels.
Accordingly, in the design of the ground mount fewer supporting materials
are required, resulting in significant cost savings. For example, row 304
is suspended between rows 302 and 306 thus eliminating the need for
additional column supports for that particular row of pods.

[0194]For the embodiments of FIGS. 27-41 as mentioned, the cable
arrangement is similar to what is disclosed with respect to the
embodiment of FIG. 14. Cables 308 extend substantially parallel to one
another and have substantially the same curvature. Cables 310 are
disposed below cables 308 and also extend substantially parallel to one
another. Cables 310 have generally opposite curvatures as compared to
cables 308. Cables 312 extend substantially perpendicular between cables
308 and 310. The gaps 309 between adjacent rows of pods, as well as the
gaps 313 between adjacent pods in a row can be modified to best match the
particular purpose of installation, as well as to provide the necessary
support and airflow through the gaps in order to best handle wind and
snow loading conditions.

[0195]FIG. 42 illustrates another preferred embodiment of the present
invention in a solar panel array 400 that is especially designed to be
installed over a linear extending ground feature, such as a road or
aqueduct. In the southwest region of the United States, aqueducts are
used to transport large quantities of water from reservoirs to
municipalities. The aqueducts are typically concrete-lined waterways that
carry water within a bed 404 of the aqueduct. The sides of the aqueduct
are defined by banks 406 that extend above the liquid level 424 of the
waterway. In the case of array 400, it is designed to span the width of
the aqueduct wherein the end of columns 420 are positioned outside or
exterior of the sloping banks 406. The array 400 provides an effective
way in which to shade the aqueduct, thereby reducing evaporation that
naturally occurs in the aqueduct. Preferably, the array is mounted
closely over the aqueduct in order to also disrupt or block wind which
would normally freely flow over the aqueduct, thus, the solar panel also
acts as a wind break to further prevent evaporation. Because of the
remote location of many portions of various aqueducts, the solar arrays
can be easily installed over the aqueducts without concern for
interfering with other manmade structures.

[0196]FIG. 42 also illustrates an optional power substation 450 that is
placed near the array 400, in which power is downloaded from the array
400 through power transfer line 452. Particularly in remote locations,
one or more power stations 450 may be required in order to most
efficiently store energy produced by the array 400, or to transmit the
power to another substation.

[0197]Referring also to FIGS. 43 and 44, the array 400 comprises a
plurality of upper main support cables 408 that are secured to upper ends
of the respective end columns 420. A complementary lower main support
cable 410 spans between lower ends of the respective end columns 420. A
plurality of anchor cables 414 provide additional support for the end
columns 420. The anchors in FIGS. 42 and 43 have been omitted for
clarity. As with the previous embodiments, a plurality of interconnecting
cables 412 connect the respective upper and lower support cables 408 and
410. The upper cables, lower cables, and interconnecting cables can again
be defined as respective cable trusses. On each longitudinal end of the
array 400, a catenary cable 416 spans the aqueduct, and has a center
portion connected at the longitudinal center 419 of the array. At this
longitudinal center 419, the upper cable 408, lower cable 410, and
catenary cable 416 intersect. A plurality of interconnecting catenary
cables 418 extend longitudinally and interconnect the catenary cable 416
to the upper support cable 408. The array 400 comprises a plurality of
pods/receivers 430 each containing a number of solar panels. The pods 430
can be selectively spaced from one another thus forming gaps 422. The
columns 420 are placed exteriorly of the banks 406 so that the array 408
effectively covers the entire width of the aqueduct.

[0198]In order to provide maintenance for the array, a walkway 431 may be
incorporated on various portions of the array so a person can walk to
locations on the array to replace damaged solar panels or other
components of the system. The walkway would replace one row of solar
panels in each adjacent pod. The walkway could be made of a lightweight
decking material and can also include handrails (not shown). In this
figure, only one walkway is shown that extends transversely across the
aqueduct; however additional walkways can be provided to allow direct
access to other areas of the array in both transverse and longitudinal
directions.

[0199]FIG. 45 is a longitudinal elevation view taken along line 45-45
further illustrating details of the construction. FIG. 45 also
illustrates the way in which the catenary cables 416 and the
interconnecting cables 418 extend from the opposite longitudinal ends of
the array. The catenary cables 416 are anchored at respective anchor
points 417, that are also placed preferably in longitudinal alignment
with the columns 420.

[0200]FIG. 46 illustrates the array 400 with the pods removed to better
show the arrangement of cables to include the upper cables 408, lower
cables 410, catenary cables 416, anchor cables 414, and various
interconnecting cables.

[0201]Referring to FIG. 47, another feature of this embodiment is to
provide a membrane or cover that is suspended from the lower cables 410
so that the membrane can provide additional protection to the waterway to
prevent evaporation. As shown in FIG. 47, the membrane 440 extends along
the entire length and width of the array in order to provide cover for
the aqueduct. Because of the curved arrangement of the lower cables 410,
the lateral side edges 441 of the membrane 440 extend close to contacting
the ground near the columns 420. Thus, the membrane effectively isolates
the aqueduct from airflow in a lateral direction which also contributes
in preventing evaporation.

[0202]For purposes of covering an aqueduct, the array 400 may extend for
many miles and the repeating nature of panel receiver rows easily
accommodates an extended length. Because of the vast amount of open
spaced available for installing the array over many remote aqueducts, the
array 400 can produce a tremendous amount of power, providing an
effective way to prevent evaporation loss for water carried in the
aqueduct.

[0203]Referring now to FIG. 48, another embodiment of the present
invention is illustrated in the form of an array 460 comprising three
spans 462, 464, and 466. Like reference numbers used in this embodiment
correspond to the same structural elements disclosed in the prior
embodiment. These three spans are supported in the middle of the array by
the two pairs of interior column groups 458. This embodiment also
includes the catenary cable arrangement 416 on both longitudinal sides of
the array to provide additional array support.

[0204]FIG. 49 is a top plan view of the embodiment of FIG. 48 that
illustrates the manner in which the anchor cables 414 and catenary cables
416 surround the array to provide support on all sides of the array.

[0205]FIG. 50 illustrates another pod or receiver construction of the
present invention. This pod construction is characterized by two main
support beams 470 that are spaced from one another and opposite ends of
the main beams are secured to cables 408 by cable clamping means 476. A
plurality of intermediate struts 472 are spaced from one another and are
secured to the pair of beams 470. The intermediate struts 472 are placed
transversely with respect to the main beams, and extend substantially
parallel with the cables 408. A plurality of solar panel support struts
or upper struts 474 are then secured over the intermediate struts 472.
The upper struts 474 extend substantially parallel with the beams 470,
and extend transversely to the intermediate struts 472 and cables 408.

[0206]Referring to FIG. 51, a plurality of solar panels 430 are shown
mounted to the upper struts 474. As shown, each of the solar panels 430
are separated from one another by longitudinal gaps 475 that extends
parallel with the cables 408, and transverse gaps 479 that extend
substantially parallel to the beams 470.

[0207]FIG. 52 illustrates the pod construction from a reverse perspective
angle that shows in more detail the manner in which the solar panels 430
are spaced and mounted to the upper struts 474 that overlie the
intermediate struts 472 and beams 470.

[0208]As also shown in FIG. 52, the beams 470 each include a gusset plate
477 that extends from one end of the beam. The gusset plates 477 are used
to interconnect adjacent panels in a row. Therefore, when the pods/panel
receivers are placed in series with one another, the gusset plates 477
interconnect the pods. The gusset plates 477 provide additional
structural rigidity for the pods as they are mounted to the cables 408.

[0209]Referring to FIG. 53, a side elevation view is taken along line
53-53 of FIG. 51. From this side view, it is shown that the transverse
gaps 479 separate the respective pods 430 mounted upon upper struts 474.
FIG. 53 also shows the cable clamps 476 that comprise a pair of U bolts
extending below the beams 470. The U bolts are secured to opposite side
flanges of the beams 470 and compress the cables 408 in order to provide
a rigid connection between the beams 470 and the cables 408.

[0210]FIG. 54 is another elevation view taken along line 54-54 of FIG. 51.
From this side elevation view, it is also shown how the pods 430 are
separated from one another by longitudinal gaps 475 and the manner in
which the pods 430 are mounted to the underlying support structure.

[0211]The pod or receiver 430 shown in FIGS. 50-54 provide an important
solution for preventing torsional forces or torques that may otherwise
damage the solar panels. The solar panels are relatively stiff members
that can be damaged if they are bent or twisted in an out-of-plane or
non-planar fashion. More specifically, the solar panels are substantially
flat and the flat upper or lower surface of the panels defines a plane.
If the solar panels are twisted or torqued in an out-of-plane fashion,
the solar panels can be damaged. FIG. 50 shows the beams 470 connected to
the cables 408 that suspend the pod 430. The cables 408 will move based
upon various wind and other loading conditions because the cables 408
have some capability to flex or bend; however, adjacent pairs of cables
408 will not always translate or move in an identical fashion, which can
cause torsional forces to be transferred to the pods 430. Beams 470 that
extend between the cables 408 maintain a constant or rigid planar
orientation when used in combination with the intermediate struts 472.
Furthermore, a rigid support is provided for the panels which prevents
out of plane forces from being transmitted to the solar panels. Thus, any
movement transferred to the pod results in a uniform, non-torsional
displacement of the entire pod which therefore prevents damage to the
panels when mounted to the pods.

[0212]FIGS. 55 and 56 illustrate yet another preferred pod construction in
accordance with the present invention. In this pod construction, a
triangular configuration is achieved for the solar panels that are
mounted to the pod 430. FIG. 55 is a bottom plan view that illustrates
this pod construction wherein a pair of diagonal beams 490 extends from
an apex connection 492. The beams 490 terminate at respective base
connections 494. One cable 408 attaches to the apex 492 and the adjacent
cable 408 attaches to the base connections 494. Adjustable U bolts may
also be used at the apex connection 492 and the base connections 494 in
order to provide a rigid connection from the cables to the beams 490. A
plurality of longitudinally extending connecting struts 496 are spaced
from one another and are secured to the diagonal beams 490. As shown,
there are preferably two struts 496 that support each of the pods 430.
The triangular shape of the pod is achieved by the selected lengths of
struts 496.

[0213]FIG. 56 is a perspective view illustrating how the pods 430 appear
when mounted with the triangular configuration.

[0214]FIG. 57 illustrates another example of an array wherein two spans
480 and 482 comprise an arrangement of solar panels that are mounted to
the triangular pods 430. Like numbers in this figure also correspond to
the same structure numbers as discussed above with respect to the
embodiments shown in FIG. 42. When the pods 430 are secured to the cables
408, the triangular shaped arrangement of the solar panels allow the pods
to be mounted in an overlapping configuration wherein the apex of one pod
is mounted adjacent to one base side of the adjacent pod. Gaps 484 define
the spaces between the solar panels mounted to adjacent pods. Gaps 486
are present at both opposite ends of the array and which illustrates the
mounting arrangement of the triangular pods. In the center portion of the
array, there is also a larger shaped gap 488 which again is produced by
the triangular shape of the pods as mounted to the cables 408.

[0215]FIGS. 58 and 59 illustrate yet another embodiment of the present
invention in the form of an array 501 that is especially adapted for use
in colder climates in which snow and ice are present during winter
months. In this array 501, a plurality of rows 503 of pods are arranged
in a parallel fashion and supported by respective cables and columns.
Again, the same reference numbers used in this embodiment correspond to
the same elements set forth above with respect to the prior embodiments.
This particular embodiment shows that the pods 430 are tilted or canted
at an angle. The front portion or edge of each of the pods includes
heating sheets or panels 505 that extend continuously between the pods,
one heating panel being located on each lateral side of the row 503. The
heating panels 505 terminate or bisect at the middle 507 of each of the
rows 503. Each of the heating panels or sheets 505 may incorporate a
heating element 507, such as an electrical strip heater which is used to
warm the panels 505 in order to melt snow or ice accumulating thereon.
Referring also to FIG. 59, the incident angle of the sun is shown as
dashed lines 513. These lines more particularly indicate the angle of the
sun during winter months in which the heating panels 505 would be shaded
during a significant portion of the daylight hours. If solar panels were
used in lieu of the heating panels 505, then the solar panels would
continue to accumulate snow and ice during the winter months, which would
eventually cause a significant reduction in the area of the solar panels
exposed to sunlight. As mentioned, the heating panels 505 are used to
melt snow or ice, which then facilitates drainage of liquid from the pods
430 thereby keeping the array clear from snow or ice during periods of
sunlight. Referring specifically to FIG. 58, the directional arrows
illustrate that the melted ice/snow will travel downward to collect on
panels 505. The crease or seam at the middle 507 constitutes the low
point where the water will drain into a gutter 509 that is mounted to the
front or facing surface of the heating panel 505. A drain line or
downspout 511 is provided to collect the water from the gutter 509. As
shown, the downspout 51 is secured to the lower cable 410, and traverses
outward to one of the columns 420 where the water is then allowed to
drain from the array. Each of the rows 503 includes the same drainage
structure to drain water from each of the pods 430 in the row. Additional
support may be provided between the cables 408 by cross supports 515 that
interconnect the adjacent columns 420. The angle at which the pods are
disposed can be modified to account for the position of the sun in the
winter months. Thus, the area of the heating panels 505 can be minimized
thereby increasing the available surface area for producing power from
the pods 430.

[0216]FIG. 60 illustrates yet another preferred embodiment of the present
invention that adds an airfoil feature 520 which comprises a plurality of
pods that extend from one side or end of the array to the ground. As
shown in FIG. 60, there are two airfoil features, one at each
longitudinal end of the array 460. The airfoil 520 can utilize the same
pod and panel construction as used on the array 460. FIG. 60A illustrates
an alternative construction for a receiver/pod that can be used to secure
the solar panels 522. As shown in FIG. 60A, a frame arrangement including
a plurality of vertical struts 526 and a plurality of horizontal struts
528 are used to support the solar panels 522. Strut extensions 530 can be
used to secure the pods to anchors 534 set in the ground. Alternatively,
in lieu of a strut extension 530 that makes direct connection with an
anchor, a rod or cable may extend coterminous with one of the vertical
struts 526 in order to secure the pods between the array 460 and the
ground.

[0217]Because high wind conditions could damage the array 460, the purpose
of adding airfoils 520 is to stabilize the array 460 during high wind
conditions by making the array more aerodynamically shaped.

[0218]Although the embodiment of FIG. 60 illustrates that an airfoil 520
comprises additional solar panels, it is also contemplated that the
airfoil 520 could be made of a fabric, or some other material that does
not act as a sun collecting unit. The benefits of providing better
aerodynamics would still be achieved with such an airfoil in which a
lower pressure is experienced in the area under the array, while a
greater pressure exists above the array in order to stabilize the array
during high wind conditions.

[0219]Referring to FIGS. 61 and 62, side elevation views are provided to
illustrate how airflow, specifically wind, creates pressure gradients on
the array 460 with and without the use of airfoils 520. FIG. 61
illustrates an array 460 without airfoils. Directional arrows show an
airstream that flows over and through the array. In FIG. 61, the high
pressures areas are indicated by the circular or curved lines, and these
lines are labeled on a scale from 1 to 10, 1 being the lowest pressure
and 10 being the highest pressure areas. As shown, the highest pressure
areas form on the leading edge of the array. Pressure areas are also
formed over the respective columns 458 and 420. These higher pressure
areas over the columns 458 and 420 are generally advantageous for holding
down the array during high wind conditions. That is, the higher pressures
over the columns are transmitted as downward forces to the columns that
help to hold the columns in place during high wind conditions. However,
the particularly high pressure area located at the leading edge of the
array is problematic in that this high pressure could cause damage to the
front portion of the array, and can otherwise degrade the stability of
the array by lifting the front portion of the array away from the ground.
Furthermore, significant airflow passes through and underneath the array
which can also cause additional movement and vibration of the cables and
columns. Referring to FIG. 62, the airfoils 520 are added to the array,
and the pressure gradients have changed such that most of the pressure is
located on top of the array, and there is very little pressure underneath
the array due to the airfoils 520 directing the airflow over the top of
the array. A higher pressure area is created just upstream of the airfoil
520; however, because of the angled orientation of the airfoil 520, this
increases the downward force of the wind which further stabilizes the
array in high wind conditions. In fact, as the wind speed increases, the
greater the downward force that is transmitted to the array that assists
to stabilize the array. FIG. 62 also shows some high pressure areas
located over the columns 458 and 420 that also help in anchoring the
array to the ground. With respect to the airfoil located at the trailing
edge of the array, a pressure gradient also develops, but it is smaller
than the pressure gradient located at the upstream or facing side of the
array.

[0220]The angle 532 that is formed between the airfoil 520 and the surface
upon which the system is mounted can be adjusted to best provide the
desired air pressure over the system to avoid system damage during high
wind conditions. This angle can be adjusted by lengthening or shortening
the span of the airfoil 520 between the column 420 and the mounting
surface.

[0221]For winds that contact the array in the lateral or transverse
direction as opposed to the longitudinal direction, as evidenced by the
elevation view of FIG. 62, wind has very little effect on the array since
the profile of the array is minimized with little interfering structure
with the airflow. The symmetrical nature of how the pods in each row
align with one another, as well as the aligned arrangement of the cables
and columns provides this minimum aerodynamic profile for minimum wind
interference. By provision of the airfoils 520, the array is better able
to withstand high wind conditions and stability is actually increased as
wind speeds increase.

[0222]FIG. 63 illustrates a modification to the embodiment of FIG. 14. In
FIG. 63, the gap or spaced 222 between the pods 214 is filled with a
flexible sealing bracket 535 as shown in detail in FIG. 64. In the event
it is undesirable for water to pass through the gaps between the pods
214, such as when the array is used for a protective parking structure,
the flexible sealing bracket 535 spans the gap 222 and interconnects the
facing ends of adjacent solar panels 216. The bracket 535 is shown as an
I-beam having a pair of flanges 541 interconnected by a web 545. The ends
of the solar panels 216 are frictionally engaged between the upper and
lower flanges 541 on each side of the web 545. The brackets 535 can be
made from flexible and elastomeric material such as synthetic rubber.
Because the bracket 535 is flexible, some shifting or movement is allowed
between the facing solar panels 216 in order to dampen or absorb movement
of the cables which otherwise may cause a torsional force to be
transmitted to the panels.

[0223]It shall be understood that the preferred embodiments of the present
invention may incorporate any one of the pods/receiver constructions to
best fit the particular installation needs. Thus, in some installations,
it may be preferable to have curved struts as opposed to straight struts,
or vice versa. The particular pod/receiver construction can also be
selected based upon its structural rigidity and capability to mount a
selected number of solar panels. The number of struts/beams used in any
of the pods/receiver constructions can be selected to minimize required
materials, but satisfy the rigidity and strength requirements for the
particular installation.

[0224]Additionally, it shall be appreciated that the number of solar
panels mounted to each pod can be configured for the particular
installation. Thus, the pods may contain more or less solar panels as
compared to what is illustrated in the preferred embodiments.

[0225]The flexible electric cables 82a and 82b may be incorporated in each
of the embodiments of the present invention in order to allow each of the
solar panel arrays to be coupled to a substation for gathering of
produced power. As also mentioned, the solar panel arrays may be
electrically coupled to sources of stored electric power such as
batteries or fuel cells. Other arrangements of electrical cables may be
used to most effectively transfer power from the solar panels to the
power storage location or to a substation.

[0226]It will also be appreciated that due to the unique manner in which
the solar panels may be supported by the modular nature of the pods,
there is almost a limitless combination in the shape and size of an array
that can be constructed for installation. The cables and columns can be
arranged to provide the necessary support for not only very differently
sized and shaped arrays, but also arrays being either ground mounted or
overhead mounted.

[0227]Those skilled in the art will recognize that the present invention
may be manifested in a variety of forms other than the specific
embodiments described and contemplated herein. Accordingly, departures in
form and detail may be made without departing from the scope and spirit
of the present invention as described in the appended claims.

[0228]FIG. 65 illustrates another embodiment of the present invention in
which a capability is provided for selectively tensioning one or more of
the cables used to support the solar panels. This embodiment shows a
solar panel array 500 including a plurality of solar panels 504 mounted
to respective pods/receivers 502. Vertical columns 560 are arranged at
ends of a span in which an upper main cable 508 and a lower main cable
510 extend between the columns 560. A continuous interconnecting cable
514 traverses between the upper and lower cables. Anchor lines/cables 512
connect to the upper ends of the columns 560 and extend to the ground
adjacent the columns.

[0229]Continuous interconnecting cables 514 may be selectively tensioned
in order to provide the adequate rigidity and support for the overhanging
pods 502. Detail A in FIG. 65 is enlarged in FIG. 66 to illustrate a
tensioning device/mechanism 516 used to selectively tension cable 514. It
shall be understood that each one of the points of intersection between
cable 514 and the upper cable 508 and lower cable 510 may include a
respective tensioning device 516. In the event that each of the
intersection points include a tensioning device, the cable 514 can
therefore be conveniently tensioned along its entire length by only
having to secure and manipulate the free end of the cable.

[0230]Referring specifically to FIG. 66, the tensioning device 516 is
shown in connection with one preferred embodiment of the present
invention. Lower cable 510 acts as the mounting support in which to
selectively tension the cable 514. The tensioning device 516 is
characterized by a base 518 in the form of a plate, and a plurality of
cable clamps 521 that are used to secure the base 518 to the lower cable
510. Alternatively, another base plate 518 (not shown in FIG. 66) can be
used in which the other elements of the tensioning device 516 are located
between the base plates, and the base plates are secured to the cable 510
by the use of threaded bolts in lieu of the cable clamps 521.

[0231]A hub 523 is rotatably secured to an upper end of the base 518 and
the hub mounts a roller 524 which receives the cable 514. Also referring
to FIG. 67, additional details of the tensioning device are shown. After
the cable 514 has been placed under a desired amount of tension, locking
members 526 engage the cable 514 and hold the cable 514 against the
roller 524. The locking members 526 may be provided in pairs by use of an
interconnecting adjusting rod 528 which spaces the locking members 526 at
a desired distance for optimum engagement against the cable 514. Locking
pins/bolts 519 lock the locking members 526 in place against the cable
514. The locking pins 519 may be routed through threaded openings (not
shown) in the base 518 or may otherwise be attached to the base 518 so
that one end of the locking pins can engage the locking members 526. As
shown in FIG. 67, a channel 530 is formed in the roller 524 to receive
the cable 514. FIG. 67 also shows an abutting pair of base plates 518
having a complimentary opening formed therethrough for receiving the
lower cable 510. The base plates 518 are secured to one another to hold
the cable 510 as by the cable clamps/bolts 521.

[0232]The tensioning device illustrated in FIGS. 66 and 67 may be used for
selective tensioning of any of the cables in the system of the present
invention. This cable tensioning capability can also be modified such
that only selected tensioning devices have a locking feature for locking
the cable to be tensioned, while other tensioning devices simply have
rollers that allow the cable to move through the device so that the cable
is locked in place at another of the tensioning devices.

[0233]FIGS. 68-71 illustrate yet another preferred embodiment of the
present invention. Two spans of pods 502 are hung between outer rows of
columns 560 and one interior row of columns 560. Catenary cables 542 are
also shown along with their corresponding catenary interconnecting cables
544. In this embodiment, the solar panel array 500 is provided in which a
supplementary means is provided for producing power in the form of
vertical axis windmills 540 that are selectively mounted to the columns
560. A vertical axis windmill in the present invention includes those
power producing windmills that rotate about an axis that extends
vertically. Vertical axis windmills of the type shown in FIG. 68 have a
number of advantages in terms of spaced savings, efficiency in producing
power, and minimizing materials. One example of a vertical axis windmill
includes a Ropatec® windmill. As shown, the same columns 560 which
support the pods 502 can also be used as the central support which
remains stationary in the windmill, and about which rotate the blades or
fins of the windmill. As best seen in FIGS. 69 and 71, the vertical axis
windmill 540 has blades or vanes that are configured in a circular cage
561 about the column 560. The cage 561 rotates about the column 560 as
powered by wind that strikes the blades of the cage. Thus, the vertical
axis windmills 540 incorporate the columns 560 which are extended in
length to provide a central support for the surrounding cage 561. FIG. 69
also illustrates airfoils 534 that can be used to modify the airflow over
the array. As discussed above with respect to FIG. 62, varying pressure
gradients may be established by including or not including airfoils.
Also, whether airfoils are used or not, there is a tendency for air
traveling over and around the array to have a higher pressure at the
locations of the columns 560. Therefore, mounting the vertical axis
windmills about the locations of the columns provides increased airflow
speed which in turn, increases wind energy that can be used to drive the
windmills. This unique aspect of the present invention in terms of
creating optimal pressure gradient conditions around the vertical axis
windmills can greatly enhance the overall power production of the system.
FIG. 70 is a plan view of the embodiment of FIG. 68, illustrating the
locations of the vertical axis windmills. FIG. 71 shows how the vertical
axis windmills 540 are formed as part of the columns 560, and wherein the
vertical axis windmills extend above the level of the solar panels
thereby ensuring that the desired arrangement and spacing of the solar
panels is not disrupted.

[0234]FIG. 72 illustrates another preferred embodiment of the present
invention in which a compression truss structure is utilized to support
an overlying convex arrangement of pods 502 with solar panels 504. More
specifically, FIG. 72 illustrates an upper main support member 552 and a
plurality of pods/receivers 502 mounted on the upper support member 552.
The upper member 552 can be a cable, or can be a rigid member such as a
tube in which the upper support member can also function as the roof top
or roof support for an underlying structure (not shown) located beneath
the solar panel arrays. A lower main support cable 554 is also provided
along with a plurality of interconnecting compression members 556 that
interconnect the upper support member/cable 552 to the lower support
cable 554. The interconnecting compression members 556 may be standard
pipe, structural tubes, or other rigid supports. The convex mounted solar
panels 504 on the pods 502 therefore produce a compression force against
the truss formed by the combination of the upper and lower cables and the
interconnecting compression members. FIG. 72 also provides a unique
arrangement in which the pods mounted closest to the columns 560 are
reverse or concave mounted. In this reverse mounting, the reverse or
concave mounted pods 565 are mounted on the lower cables 554 that extend
above the upper cable/support 552 since the lower cable 554 continues in
an upward arc as shown. The points where the cables/supports 552 and 554
intersect are shown as inflection or intersection points 558. The cables
552 and 554 may be secured to one another at these inflection points 558
by pivot connections.

[0235]FIG. 73 illustrates a modification to the embodiment of FIG. 72 in
which two spans are provided along with vertical axis windmills 540
located at the columns 560. The embodiment of FIG. 73 illustrates that
the solar panel arrays 500 are used to cover a structure such as a
building having a roof 566, and one or more skylights or openings 568
formed in the roof 566. Also in FIG. 73, the upper main support is shown
as a cable 570 in which compression trusses are defined by pairs of upper
and lower cables 570 and 554, and interconnecting vertical compression
members 556. The embodiment of FIG. 73 also provides the crossing
arrangement of the upper and lower cables in which the reverse mounted
end pods 565 are located adjacent to the columns. The embodiment of FIG.
73 is ideally suited for incorporation within a building structure. The
columns 560 may be vertical columns of the building or load bearing walls
of the building. As mentioned, the vertical axis windmills 540 provide
supplementary power and the combination of the windmills and the solar
panels may provide adequate power for most of the operating requirements
for the underlying building.

[0236]In lieu of element 566 denoting a roof with openings, element 566
may also denote some other type of protective covering such as a an
impermeable membrane made of plastic or a permeable membrane of cloth to
provide shelter under the array of solar panels. For example, if the
solar array is intended to cover crops, the element 566 may denote a
covering of a particular density/porosity allowing a desired amount of
sunlight passage best suited for the particular crop chosen. The covering
can also be used to protect the crop from hail damage thus the covering
can also be constructed to strength specifications to withstand potential
hail damage.

[0237]FIG. 74 is a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 73 with the
windmills 540 and the roof 566 removed for clarity. As shown, the reverse
mounted pods 565 form humps 547 at the center area of the array as well
as at the opposing ends of the array. This reverse mounting of the pods
565 may be useful in preventing inadvertent shading of the end mounted
pods by the convex pattern of pods 502 located interiorly of the outer
pods.

[0238]Referring to FIG. 75, a further alternative arrangement is provided
with respect to a compression truss, and the manner in which pods 502 may
be mounted to the compression truss. In the example of FIG. 75, the pods
502 are all mounted on the lower main cable 554. This embodiment may also
be incorporated over a building structure in which the building has a
roof defined by member 582, and the columns 560 could be vertical column
supports of the building structure and/or load bearing outer walls of the
building. The roof/member 582 may extend outwardly from the building and
beyond the most outer or peripheral vertical supports 560. Roof
extensions or overhangs 584 may be used to secure cables 586 or
tensioning rods to produce the necessary lateral anchoring for the solar
panel array. Thus, the overhangs 584 eliminate the need to anchor the
columns with anchor lines that extend to the ground. Also in the example
of FIG. 75, it is noted that the vertical interconnecting members 557
underlying the outermost pods 502 are in compression, while the members
556 are in tension. Thus, in this embodiment, the members 556 could be
cables in lieu of rigid members and the members 557 could be rigid
members.

[0239]Referring to FIG. 76, yet another embodiment is provided in which a
compression truss is used to support a solar panel array. The upper
member 552 in this embodiment can either be the roof of the structure, or
an upper chord defining the upper main support of the compression truss
defined, and the pods 502 are mounted above the roof. Specifically, the
pods 502 can be mounted on a horizontally extending rigid support member
590 which in turn, rests on the upper member 552 along an apex or upper
ridge 592.

[0240]Referring to FIG. 77, yet another embodiment is shown in which the
pods 502 are mounted upon upper support 552, which again may be the roof
of the structure or a separate support. In this configuration, the pods
502 follow the contour of the roof and thus present a wedge shaped
configuration in the view according to this figure.

[0241]Referring to FIG. 78, yet another arrangement shown with respect to
a compression truss in which the pods 502 are mounted to the upper main
cable 570, and the truss with the solar panel array is disposed above the
roof 566 of the structure.

[0242]FIG. 79 illustrates a double span of the embodiment of FIG. 78 in
which the upper main cables 570 directly receive each of the
pods/receivers 502. FIG. 80 is an elevation view of the embodiment of
FIG. 79.

[0243]Referring to FIG. 81, in yet another embodiment of the present
invention, it is contemplated that the solar panels may be arranged to
have complex curved or irregular shapes. It may be necessary for the
solar panels to cover a structure or object that has an irregular shape,
or it may be necessary for the array to avoid an underlying structure
having an irregular shape. In lieu of simply eliminating solar panels at
that particular location, the present invention provides a means by which
the solar panels may remain in a continuous extension creating a complex
shaped solar panel array. As shown in FIG. 81, each of the adjacent
groups of panels 504 within the pod 502 extend at different angles
producing a complex shaped pod. As also shown, the groups of panels 504
extend at these differing angles based upon the orientation of the cables
570 that extend in a non-parallel manner.

[0244]This rotated/irregular arrangement of the pod 502 can be achieved by
angularly adjustable connections between the pod members and the cables
as discussed with respect to FIGS. 83 and 84.

[0245]FIG. 82 illustrates the embodiment of FIG. 81 with the panels 504
removed thus exposing the components of the pod 502. The construction of
the pod in FIG. 82 is similar to what is shown in the embodiment of FIG.
50, and the same reference numbers used in FIG. 82 are used to denote the
same structural members as shown in FIG. 50. The difference between FIGS.
50 and 82 is that the supports 474 in FIG. 82 are not shown as extending
continuously between the cables 570 and rather, are separated and
individually mounted to the supports 472. The individual mounting of
supports 472 allows adjacent groups of panels 504 to separate from one
another in the desired irregular configuration.

[0246]FIG. 83 is an enlarged fragmentary elevation view of the connection
details between a beam 470 and a cable 570 utilizing an angularly
adjustable connection in the form of a ball and socket combination.
Specifically, this figure illustrates a clamping block 687 used to
support the connection. Bolts 688 secure the block 687 to the cable 570.
A socket 689 is integrally formed with the block 687 and receives a ball
extension 684 extending from the beam 470. A rotation control pin 686 is
used to limit or otherwise define the rotational capability of the beam
470 with respect to the cable 570. As shown, the beam 470 can therefore
be secured to the cable 570 and yet can be oriented in a desired angular
orientation to produce a pod having the complex shape. It is also
contemplated that the pin 686 can be removed therefore allowing the beam
470 to freely rotate within the geometric limits of the ball joint
connection.

[0247]FIG. 84 is another enlarged fragmentary elevation view of the
connection details between a beam 470 and a cable 570 in which the
desired orientation of the beam to the cable is achieved by use of
another type of angularly adjustable connection in the form of shims 690
that are inserted between the block 687 and the beam 470. The shim 690 is
simply bolted between the exposed surface of the block 687 facing the
beam and the facing surface of the beam flange. The shims 690 are can be
a single piece or a plurality of shim elements stacked on one another to
provide the desired orientation of the beam to the cable.

[0248]FIG. 85 is an elevation view taken along line 85-85 of FIG. 82
showing how the intermediate struts 472 are placed in their unique
angular orientations with respect to the cables 570. In the example of
FIG. 85, the orientation of the struts 472 result in the appearance of
the struts being progressively rotated about an axis 691.

[0249]FIG. 86 is an elevation view taken along line 86-86 of FIG. 82
showing the panels 504 mounted to the pods. The beams 470 connect to the
cables 570 that extend out of plane with one another therefore resulting
in the irregular shaped group of panels 504 on the pod.

[0250]FIG. 87 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the present
invention in which compression struts are utilized for mounting of pods
502 in a convex arrangement of two spans of pods. Referring also to the
elevation view of FIG. 88, the convex arrangement of the spans results in
a trough or lowered area 594 that extends between spans. This embodiment
therefore differs from the embodiments shown in FIG. 72-74 in that the
upper cable 570 and lower cable 554 do not cross one another between the
columns 560, therefore there is no inflection point and no reverse
mounting of the pods such as those pods 565 shown in FIG. 72.

[0251]FIG. 89 is another perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 87 but
showing the array with the panels removed thus exposing the pods.

[0252]FIG. 90 is an enlarged perspective view of a pod detailing the
construction of the pod to include the various supports and struts.
Specifically, FIG. 90 shows a pod construction including a pair of main
beams 470 that extend between cables 570 and a group of four elevated
strut assemblies that result in the panels being oriented at a desired
angle with respect to a plane defined as extending along the beams 470
and between the cables 570. Each of the strut assemblies includes a riser
623 extending above the beams 470, a cross strut 622 extending
orthogonally and interconnecting the beams 470, and panel support struts
624 that directly mount the solar panels. The angled connection between
the upper ends of the risers 623 and the cross struts 622 may be
selectively adjusted by the use of replaceable shims such as the one
shown in FIG. 83 in a bolted arrangement in which the shims are fixedly
mounted between the upper ends of the risers and the facing surfaces of
the struts.

[0253]FIG. 91 illustrates another preferred embodiment of the present
invention in a solar panel array 610 that provides pods 502 with a dual
axis tracking capability. More specifically, the pods 502 may be rotated
in two distinct axes to allow the panels to track the location of the sun
as the earth rotates as described in more detail with respect to FIG. 95.
One axis of rotation is about the vertical supports 618, and the other
axis of rotation is about a horizontal plane thereby enabling the pods to
be canted or tilted at a desired angular orientation.

[0254]The embodiment of FIG. 91 is especially adapted for large open areas
in which the solar panels can be disposed in a very large array for
maximum power production and the minimum disruption of the ground under
the array invites a dual land use application. The spacing of the pods is
generally greater as compared to the previous embodiments resulting in
less shade produced by the array. The increased amount of passing
sunlight between the pods enables a great variety of crops that can be
grown directly under the array. The overall support structure for the
pods 502 requires minimum materials thereby minimizing disruption of the
soil under the array. The only required columns 560 are those that extend
around the periphery of the array thereby leaving the land undisturbed
that lies between the peripheral columns.

[0255]Referring also to FIGS. 92-94, it is shown that the exterior columns
560 and anchor lines 512 provide the peripheral support for the array
610, while a series of suspended trusses support the pods in the interior
portion of the array. Rigid horizontal support members 612 interconnect
the upper ends of the columns 560, and also traverse longitudinally and
transversely across the array thereby tying the array together in a
unitary construction. A series of trusses are provided to extend within
the interior portion of the array thereby eliminating the need to provide
intermediate columns in the interior of the array. The trusses are each
defined by the combination of a horizontal support 612, upper main cable
614, lower main cable 616, and a plurality of interconnecting and
diagonally extending cables 620. Vertical supports 618 carry the pods 502
and as shown, the supports 618 are suspended above the level of the
ground with lower ends secured to lower main cable 616. The upper main
cable 614 provides upper stability to the vertical supports while the
horizontal supports 612 further stabilize the supports 618.

[0256]FIG. 95 is an enlarged fragmentary perspective view with the solar
panels removed to illustrate details of the pod construction that enables
the dual tracking function. The pod construction in this embodiment
includes horizontal and orthogonally oriented struts 622 and 624
respectively. This strut arrangement is similar, for example, to what is
shown in the pod illustrated at FIG. 26. Rotation of the pod about the
vertical axis defined by vertical support 618 is achieved by a tracking
mechanism defined by a rotatable cap 630 driven by a motor 632 mounted to
the adjacent strut 622. The motor 632 has a drive shaft (not shown) that
interfaces with a series of external gears 639 disposed on the upper
periphery of the rotating cap member 630 to provide incremental rotation
of the pod about this vertical axis. In order to rotate the pod about the
horizontal axis A-A, a tilt mechanism 634 is provided with tilt supports
636, a hydraulic lift 640, and a pinned connection 638. The hydraulic
lift 640 raises and lowers the movable upper support 636 thereby allowing
the pod to be placed at the desired angular orientation. The hydraulic
lift 640 may be powered itself by another motor (not shown) so that
independent rotation capability is provided in the two distinct axes.

[0257]In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, in lieu
of providing a dual axis tracking capability, it is also contemplated
that the present invention can provide a signal axis tracking capability
as shown with respect to the embodiment of FIG. 96 in which the pod is
rotatable about axis A-A. In FIG. 96, the pods are mounted on a
horizontal support 650 that can extend across the entire span of the
array, or at selected locations along the span of the array in which it
is desired to have a single axis tracking capability. Accordingly, in
lieu of mounting the pods 502 to the vertical members 618, the pod
construction can be simplified by eliminating the members 618 and
providing the single horizontal support 650. In lieu of eliminating the
vertical supports 618, the supports 618 can be used to support the
horizontally extending support 650 at intermediate points along a span. A
motor 654 is used to rotate the horizontally extending support 650 in
which a series of externally mounted gears 652 mate with a drive shaft
(not shown) of the motor for incremental rotation control.

[0258]Certain cable trusses may be difficult to install as they have a
tendency to twist or rotate until they are connected to the transversely
extending pod beams. These difficult to erect trusses are primarily those
with the upper and lower main cables and compression struts used to
interconnect the upper and lower main cables. To facilitate ease of
construction, the present invention provides a temporary truss assembly
that provides the necessary rigidity to support the truss in a stationary
condition as it is assembled. Accordingly, referring to FIGS. 97-100,
this aspect of the invention will be explained.

[0259]First referring to FIG. 97, an elevation view is provided showing a
construction step in the creation of an array incorporating compressions
trusses The compression trusses each include upper cable 570, lower cable
554 and interconnecting compression members 556. The compression truss
may be first assembled on the ground and then placed upright in the
vertical orientation as illustrated. Once a plurality of compression
trusses is assembled, they may be spaced apart from one another in the
orientation in which they are to accept the respective pods. When the
compression trusses are oriented vertically, a plurality of weights 602
may hang from the truss by hangers 600. The weights 602 help to stabilize
the truss in a desired vertical orientation once at least some of the
main pod beams are connected in their transverse orientation between the
trusses. The weights 602 also cause the compression trusses to be
pre-stressed so that the trusses extend in the desired orientation to
readily accept the pods without significant additional shifting or
adjustment of the trusses or the pods. Once the pods are mounted between
the parallel spaced trusses, the weights 602 can be selectively removed.
Thus, use of the weights 602 can significantly reduce any undesirable
shifting or misalignment of the trusses which otherwise makes mounting of
the pods more difficult.

[0260]FIG. 98 illustrates another example of a truss and the manner in
which the weights 602 may be hung to stabilize trusses during
construction. In this figure, the weights 602 can be hung along the span
so that both the upper and lower main cables receive pre-stressing forces
to correctly align the truss for final positioning with respect to the
pods.

[0261]Referring to FIG. 99, it is also contemplated that the trusses can
be constructed including the use of a plurality of temporary supports to
orient each of the truss members in the desired positions. One or more of
the temporary supports may remain to complete the truss assembly in which
the temporary supports are compression members. The temporary supports
include interconnecting tubes or posts 700 that perform the same function
as the interconnecting compression members 556. Thus, the tubes/posts 700
may also remain in the final step of the truss construction as members
556, or the tubes 700 can be replaced with interconnecting cables. The
tubes 700 are secured to the upper and lower cables 570 and 554 by pinned
connections as detailed with respect to FIG. 99A. As shown in the
enlarged view of FIG. 99A, each end of the tubes 700 are secured within a
primary connecting bracket 702. A pin 704 connects the primary bracket
702 to a cable clamping mechanism 706. The mechanism 706 may be of two
part construction as shown with bolts 708 which secure the mechanism 706
to the adjacent cable 570. The tubes 700 may rotate about the pins 704,
or it is also contemplated that pin 704 can be replaced with a rigid
element thereby preventing any rotation of the tube 700 with respect to
the upper and lower cables when a more rigid truss construction is
desired. A plurality of tubes 700 can be located along the truss to
provide the necessary temporary rigidity to the truss, and the tubes 700
can be connected to one another as by adjustable rods 710. The ends of
the rods 710 connect to the tubes 700 as by secondary brackets 712 that
may also incorporate a pinned feature so that the ends of the rods 710
can rotate about pins 714 incorporated in the secondary brackets 712. The
length of the rods 710 can be adjusted by the turnbuckle threaded
arrangement of the rods in which threaded members 711 are received within
threaded openings formed at each end of the rods 710.

[0262]FIG. 100 is an elevation view of another feature of the temporary or
permanent support features of a truss in which the primary bracket
extends on both sides of the supporting cable. More specifically, FIG.
100 shows a primary bracket 720 with opposing receiver ends 722 that can
receive a pair of tubes 700. The bracket 720 may be in two piece
construction in which the halves are joined to secure the tubes 700. A
series of bolts 724 interconnect the halves as shown. This arrangement
for the tubes 700 allows temporary or permanent support to a truss in
which the truss may support an overhead vertical support design, such as
the vertical supports 618 shown in FIGS. 92 and 93.

[0263]FIGS. 101-104 provide yet another embodiment of the present
invention. FIG. 101 is a perspective view showing that general support
structure in this embodiment is the same as illustrated with respect to
the embodiment of FIGS. 91-94. More specifically, the support structure
for the solar panel array in this embodiment includes columns 560 that
are located around the periphery of the array, horizontally extending
support members 612, upper cables 614, lower cables 616, and
interconnecting cables 620. The distinction in this embodiment however is
that the pods 502 are not mounted for dual axis tracking capability but
rather, are mounted for single axis tracking capability, such as
illustrated in FIG. 95. More specifically, it is shown that the vertical
support 618 provides interior support for a horizontal member, such as
horizontal support 650 as shown in FIG. 95, to which the pods 502 are
mounted. FIGS. 102-104 illustrate the linear arrangement of the pods 502
and the relatively larger spacing of the pods as compared to the prior
embodiments. Thus, this embodiment is also conducive to the dual land use
as described with respect to the embodiment of FIGS. 91-94.

[0264]FIGS. 105-108 illustrate yet another embodiment of the present
invention in which single tracking of the pods can be achieved. FIG.
105-107 show that the pods 502 are mounted again in a greater spacing as
compared to many of the earlier embodiments. The enlarged perspective
view of FIG. 108 provides yet another example of a particular pod
construction that can be used for a single tracking feature of the
present invention. The solar panels have been removed to illustrate the
pod construction. The pod in this example comprises main beams 672 that
extend between adjacent cables 570, along with stiffening supports 674
spaced between the beams 672. Additional torsional resistance can be
provided with crossing cables 577. A riser 678 is connected at its lower
end to one of the supports 674 and the riser 678 extends above the cables
570. Cables 680 can be used to support the vertical extension of the
riser 678. Struts 622 and 624 are provided for direct mounting of the
solar panels. Diagonal strut 676 supports the struts 622 and 624. The
single axis tracking is achieved by the rotation of diagonal strut 676 by
a motor 679 mounted adjacent to the strut 676 as shown.

[0265]FIGS. 109-111 illustrate yet another preferred embodiment of the
present invention in the form of an array supported by compression
trusses, and in which the pods 502 are disposed for single axis tracking
along a horizontal rotation axis. As shown in FIGS. 109 and 110, the pods
are disposed such that they are mounted at a height even with the upper
support/cable 570. The pods are intended to have the ability to rotate
about a horizontal axis and therefore, the pod construction shown in FIG.
96 can be adopted for this embodiment in which the pods are rotatable
about one or more horizontally extending members 650.

[0266]FIG. 112 and 113 provides another embodiment similar to the
embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 109-11 in which a single tracking
function can be realized. The distinction in the embodiment of FIGS. 112
and 113 is that the pods 502 are mounted at the same height across the
entire solar panel array, and the pods do not follow the shape of the
compression trusses. This uniform height for the pods is achieved by
extending the compression members 556 beyond the upper and lower cables.
This configuration is best seen in FIG. 113 where the compression members
556 extend at varying heights above or at the level of the upper cable
570 to present the pods 502 in the linear orientation. The construction
of FIG. 100 may be adopted in which tubes 700 that extend above the cable
570 may be selected in length to provide the linear orientation of the
pods 502. This particular arrangement for the pods in FIGS. 112 and 113
may be advantageous to prevent inadvertent shading that may occur by a
convex mounted arrangement of the pods. The construction of FIG. 100 may
also be adopted to provide the single axis tracking capability in this
embodiment.

[0267]FIGS. 114 and 115 illustrate yet another preferred embodiment of the
present invention including a solar panel array that incorporates a
single axis tracking capability for pods that are arranged in linear and
horizontally extending groups/rows. Referring to FIG. 115, the
distinction in this embodiment is that the pods are mounted at a height
between the upper cables 570 and the lower cables 554. Thus, the pods
reside at a height which substantially bisects a horizontal line
extending between the upper and lower cables. This arrangement of the
pods may be advantageous for locations where high winds are a concern,
and a lower disposition of the pods closer to the ground may reduce the
wind loading on the overall structure. The construction of FIG. 100 may
also be adopted to provide the single axis tracking capability in this
embodiment.

[0268]FIG. 116 illustrates yet another embodiment in which the single
tracking feature allows selected pods to be rotated at a reverse
inclination to account for shading that may inadvertently occur by the
overall arrangement of the pods in a convex or concave arrangement. As
shown in this figure, all of the pods 502 are oriented in a right-facing
orientation, while the pod 802 is oriented in a left facing orientation.

[0269]FIG. 117 is a partial fragmentary perspective view of an embodiment
of the present invention in which tubular shaped PV elements are
provided. As mentioned, there are a number of advantages in using tubular
shaped PV elements, and such PV elements are ideally suited for use with
the cable supporting systems of the present invention. The tubular PV
elements 804 can be supported by any of the pod constructions illustrated
in the present invention. The linear spacing of the PV elements can be
chosen to allow the desired amount of sunlight to pass through the array.
Alternatively, a reflecting membrane may be incorporated to allow
reflected light to be used to supplement power generation. A membrane,
such as a covering/membrane 440 shown in FIG. 47 may be used for purposes
of reflecting light back onto the PV elements. The membrane may be coated
with a reflective composition, or the membrane may be constructed of a
reflective material. Although FIG. 117 shows one example of an embodiment
that incorporates the tubular PV elements 804, it shall be understood
that any of the embodiment of the present invention can be modified as
shown in the FIG. 117 to receive the tubular PV elements in lieu of the
solar panels 504. Additionally, the tubular PV elements may be provided
in combinations with the panels 504 in selected pods and selected
portions of an array.

[0270]FIG. 118 is a schematic elevation view of yet another embodiment of
the present invention showing a single axis tracking capability in which
the pods 502 are able to slightly rotate in a biased arrangement to
compensate for high wind gusts or other inclement weather situations in
which a rigid connection might otherwise damage the tracking hardware.
More specifically, FIG. 118 shows an upper cable 570 of a truss and a
pair of diagonal support members 810 mounted to the upper cable. The
support members 810 converge and support a horizontally extending
rotational member 813 which provides rotation along a horizontal axis.
Rotational member 813 may be rotated by a motor (not shown), such as the
arrangement of the motor 654 that rotates horizontal member 650 shown in
FIG. 96. The pod 502 is mounted to the rotational member 813 at a point
generally midway along the length of the pod. FIG. 118 also provides a
biasing cable 812 and springs/biasing elements 814 located at opposite
ends of the cable 812. The cable 812 is secured at its opposite ends to
the opposing ends of the pods 502. The cable 812 is routed through a
roller 816 mounted to the pod truss or mounted to the cable 570. The pod
502 and other pods mounted to the rotational member 813 are angularly
adjusted by the single axis tracking assembly, and the gearing of the
tracking assembly is such that there is some amount of small rotational
capability compensated for by the biasing elements 814. The biasing
elements 814 are able to bias needed rotation of the pods to prevent
damage to the tracking assembly in the event a wind force would otherwise
cause undue stress on the pods or the tracking assembly. A rigid and
unbiased connection between the tracking assembly and the pods and
support members is subject to greater damage in the high wind conditions.

[0271]It is contemplated within the present invention that the single and
dual tracking capabilities of the pods carrying the solar panels be
controlled by an automated system in which one or more controllers are
programmed to provide output signals to the tracking mechanisms. The
controller(s) automatically adjust the orientations of the pods based
upon a computer program that most efficiently orients the pods for
capture of sunlight. Accordingly, the controller(s) may be computing
devices with appropriate software/firmware to generate appropriate
signals/commands to the motors which control the rotation of the
installed tracking mechanisms. The automated system may provide offsite
control for an operator in which the controller(s) communicate with the
tracking mechanisms by a wireless communications protocol. A web based
solution can be provided in which the operator is provided various user
interface options for controlling the tracking mechanisms. The user
interfaces may also provide the user the ability to manually adjust the
pods to account for other circumstances in which it may be desirable to
adjust the positioning of the pods.

[0272]In connection with this automated system, FIG. 119 is provided to
illustrate one preferred embodiment of the control system of the present
invention that is used to control various operating parameters of the
solar panel arrays. FIG. 119 specifically illustrates three separate and
remotely located solar panel arrays, marked as Array 1, 840; Array 2,
842; and Array 3, 844. Each of the arrays has one or more control devices
which control some aspect of the operation of the corresponding arrays.
As illustrated, Array 1 has control device 846, Array 2 has control
device 848, and Array 3 has two control devices, 852 and 854. The control
devices may include motors that are used to operate tracking mechanisms
to adjust the positions of the pods. The control devices could also be
peripheral systems that enhance the operation of the arrays, such as an
automatic cleaning system that generates a spray of water to clean the
arrays. Arrays 2 and 3 are also shown as having monitoring devices 850
and 856 that may be used to monitor some aspect of the operation of the
arrays. For example, the monitoring devices 850/856 could be devices to
include electrical energy monitoring devices that monitor the electrical
output of the arrays, temperature sensors, and/or cameras that allow an
operator to view the arrays within the surrounding environmental
conditions.

[0273]Each of the control and monitoring devices of the arrays communicate
with at least one controller 862 through a communications link 858 such
as the Internet. The controller 862 is depicted as a conventional
computer with a user interface 860 in the form of a user screen. The
controller 862 may include software/firmware that sets forth control
parameters for adjusting the angular positions of the arrays based upon
seasonal changes in which the sun traverses different paths across the
sky as the earth rotates. The controller 862 generates control signals
that are sent through the communication link 858, and received by the
control and monitoring devices. Each of the arrays can be continually
controlled in order to maximize the positioning of the arrays with
respect to orientation of the individual pods for receiving maximum
sunlight. It is also contemplated that a hand-held controller 864 could
also operate the arrays in the same manner as the controller 862.

[0274]One clear advantage of the system shown in FIG. 119 is the ability
to remotely and centrally control a plurality of arrays located at
different locations. Individual control parameters can be generated by
the controller for each array at each separate location thereby providing
great flexibility for a control system in which electrical energy output
is maximized.

[0275]As described above with respect to the preferred embodiments, solar
panel arrays can be supported with truss arrangements characterized as
tension, compression or combined tension/compression trusses. Tension
trusses include those arrangements of cables in which the upper and lower
cables are interconnected with flexible cable members. Compression
trusses can generally be characterized as those that have rigid
compression members extending at least between the upper and lower
cables. The compression trusses may further be characterized by upper and
lower members that are rigid, and curved or straight to match the desired
shape of the truss. The trusses have shapes to allow convex, concave, or
combinations of concave and concave mounted pods. The interconnecting
members may be vertically or diagonally oriented. The interconnecting
members in the trusses may be a combination of compression members and/or
tension members.

[0276]In addition to the varying truss configurations, the present
invention also provides a number of options in terms of how to employ the
columns to support the array. Columns may be interspersed throughout the
array in both column and row arrangements. As mentioned with some of the
embodiments, it is also contemplated that only perimeter columns are
provided, and the spans are supported interiorly with truss arrangements
thereby eliminating the need for interior columns.

[0277]The solar panel arrays may also be configured to cover a designated
area to include areas in which irregularly shaped objects are present and
the array can be modified to cover such irregularly shaped objects
without having to eliminate solar panels at that location. The individual
pods therefore can adopt the unique constructions allowing groups or
individual panels to be mounted in offset arrangements.

[0278]Although the embodiments primarily show single cables as primary
support elements, it is also possible in the present invention to
increase the overall load bearing capacity of the array by using multiple
cables that span the required distances.

[0279]Vertical structural stabilization for the arrays is provided by the
combination of trusses which interconnect with columns. The columns are
themselves stabilized by anchor lines. Horizontal forces generated
perpendicular to the cable trusses are stabilized by linking the truss
members of the pods between the trusses. The mechanical linking of the
pod struts between the cable trusses creates a single structural member
over the entire array which can better withstand forces generated in all
directions. Additionally, the manner in which the pod struts are secured
to the trusses can either be by a rigid connection, or by a flexible
connection.

[0280]There are a number of environmental benefits to be achieved at the
various solar panel arrays of the present invention. The inherent
structural efficiency of the cable trusses requires less construction
material. The columns and the anchor lines are the only elements that
require contact with the ground and therefore, there is a minimal
foundation footprint. Installation of the arrays is therefore capable of
being handled by light machinery, which also minimizes disturbance to the
existing soil structure and vegetation. Because of the suspended manner
of the solar panels, in many cases, the system can be installed without a
requirement for grading or reshaping of the land at the installation
site.

[0281]This solar panel array of the present invention also provides a
number of benefits with respect to water conservation. The arrays reduce
water evaporation under the arrays, which is particularly advantageous
when the arrays are positioned to cover water surfaces, such as canals,
aqueducts, storage ponds, small lakes, etc. Also, as contemplated by the
discussed embodiments, a drainage system may be provided around the solar
panels to collect rainwater/snow and this collected water may be stored
for required maintenance and cleaning of the solar panels.

[0282]Because of the extremely flexible design parameters achieved with
the present invention, spacing of the solar panels can be designed in
almost a limitless number of patterns which therefore allows a designer
to precisely determine the amount of light that may be allowed to pass
through the solar panel arrays to promote ideal growing conditions for
vegetation or crops covered by the arrays. In general, the partial
shading effect provided by the solar panel arrays provides ideal growing
conditions for many cultivated crops. Further, suitable ground cover
vegetation can be selected, such as plants that require very little water
and may, therefore also reduce fire danger as compared to other
vegetation which may normally cover the area.

[0283]Dual land use is also achieved by the solar panels of the present
invention since the flexible designs provided by the present invention
encourage a number of types of structures that may be housed underneath
the arrays. For example, the arrays provide a number of options for
incorporating buildings under the solar panel arrays, and also using the
cables and trusses of the supports to be integrated within the buildings
themselves.

[0284]The repetitive addition of cable trusses and pods allows the arrays
to be built in limitless shapes and sizes which is an ideal solution for
installation of the arrays over a number of other manmade structures such
as parking lots, roads, and other transportation corridors.

[0285]Preassembly of the pods as well as the trusses may be achieved
offsite. Therefore, for difficult to access locations in which the arrays
may be installed, preassembly of the components prior to arriving at the
work site greatly enhances the ability of the system to be installed at
such difficult locations. Furthermore, as mentioned with respect to the
embodiment of FIGS. 81-86, the pods may be arranged in an irregular
manner to cover complex shaped obstacles, or to otherwise traverse an
irregular manner based upon the underlying ground conditions.

[0286]The varying pod embodiments of the present invention also provide
ideal conditions for supporting a number of types of PV panel types to
include not only the traditional planar or plate shaped PV panels, but
also cylindrical/tubular PV elements which incorporate a self-tracking
feature. It shall therefore be understood that any of the embodiments of
the present invention can take advantage of either a the planar solar
panel construction, or use of the cylindrical PV elements.

[0287]With respect to durability, the solar panel arrays of the present
invention are also ideal since the arrays may incorporate desired
aerodynamic properties to prevent damage in high wind conditions. The use
of airfoils allows an array to maintain a desired configuration for
handling various wind conditions.

[0288]Also, the present invention provides a centralized control system
whereby an entire array and multiple remotely located arrays can be
controlled. This remote control can result in an increased energy output
from the system, to protect the system from extreme weather by rotating
the panels in a desired configuration to handle wind/other environmental
conditions.

[0289]The solar panel arrays of the present invention may also incorporate
single and dual axis tracking capabilities in order to optimize sunlight
capture. The single and dual axis capabilities may be incorporated on
various types of truss arrangements to include concave and convex truss
arrangements.

[0290]While the present invention has been set forth with respect to a
number of differing embodiments, it shall be appreciated that other
changes or modifications of the invention may be achieved in accordance
with the scope of the claims appended hereto.